Expert Surgical Care for Broken Elbows
Elbow Fracture Fixation in Southern Illinois
A broken elbow is a severe injury that can cause significant pain, swelling, and loss of arm function. Whether caused by a direct blow, a fall, or a twisting injury, an elbow fracture involves a break in one or more of the three bones that form the joint: the humerus (upper arm bone), the radius, and the ulna (forearm bones). Prompt and precise treatment is essential to ensure the bones heal correctly, preserving motion and stability for the future. Finding a surgeon with specialized expertise in complex elbow injuries is the most important factor in achieving a successful outcome.
Dr. Srinath Kamineni is a highly respected orthopedic surgeon in Olney, IL, who specializes in treating elbow fractures. As a double fellowship-trained and board-certified surgeon in both the USA and England, he brings a world-class level of experience to his patients. Dr. Kamineni is an expert in the full spectrum of elbow fracture care, from managing straightforward breaks to performing complex revision surgeries for fractures that have not healed correctly. If you have sustained an elbow fracture, we invite you to schedule a consultation to receive premier care.
Getting the expert treatment you need is simple. Our team is ready to help you arrange an appointment with Dr. Kamineni to evaluate your injury and develop a tailored treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Elbow Fracture Fixation?
Elbow fracture fixation is a surgical procedure to stabilize and align the broken pieces of bone in the elbow so they can heal in the correct position. While some minor elbow fractures can be treated non-surgically with a cast or splint, many require surgery to restore the joint's intricate anatomy. A displaced fracture, where the bone fragments have shifted out of alignment, or an intra-articular fracture, where the break extends into the joint surface, almost always needs surgical intervention. The goal of fracture fixation surgery is to piece the bone fragments together accurately and hold them securely, which allows for earlier motion and reduces the risk of long-term stiffness, arthritis, and instability.
What Happens During Elbow Fracture Fixation Surgery?
During an elbow fracture fixation surgery, you will be given anesthesia to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free. Dr. Kamineni will then make an incision over the elbow to gain access to the broken bones. He will carefully realign the fractured pieces, fitting them together like a puzzle. Once the bones are in their proper anatomical position, he will use specialized orthopaedic hardware—such as plates, screws, pins, or wires—to hold them firmly in place. This is known as open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). For very severe fractures where the joint cannot be repaired, an elbow replacement may be necessary. Dr. Kamineni's meticulous surgical technique ensures the joint is reconstructed as accurately as possible to optimize healing.
Am I a Candidate for This Surgery?
You may be a candidate for elbow fracture fixation surgery if you have a fracture that is unlikely to heal properly on its own. This includes fractures where the bones are significantly displaced, unstable breaks that could shift out of position, or fractures that involve the smooth cartilage surface of the joint. Open fractures, where the bone has broken through the skin, require immediate surgery to clean the wound and fix the bone. Dr. Kamineni, a leading orthopaedic doctor in Mount Carmel and Olney, will make a definitive recommendation after a thorough evaluation, which includes a physical examination and detailed imaging studies like X-rays and potentially a CT scan to fully understand the fracture pattern.
What is Recovery Like After Fracture Fixation Surgery?
Recovery after elbow fracture fixation is a gradual process focused on protecting the repair while restoring function. Immediately after surgery, your arm will be placed in a splint or cast to protect the healing bones. Dr. Kamineni’s team will provide clear instructions on pain management and incision care. Depending on the stability of the surgical repair, you may begin gentle range-of-motion exercises soon after the procedure to prevent stiffness, which is a common complication after elbow injuries. As your healing progresses, you will work with a physical therapist to rebuild strength, flexibility, and coordination. The total recovery time can range from a few months to a year, depending on the severity of your fracture.
Why Choose Dr. Kamineni for My Surgery?
When facing a complex injury like an elbow fracture, the surgeon's experience is critical. Dr. Srinath Kamineni is an elbow specialist with an extensive background in trauma and reconstructive surgery, including fellowships at the prestigious Mayo Clinic. He is widely published and stays at the forefront of orthopaedic advancements, incorporating the latest findings and technologies to benefit his patients. His expertise covers the entire range of elbow injuries, from primary fracture fixation surgery to complex elbow reconstruction and revision procedures for failed past surgeries. Patients choose Dr. Kamineni for his proven track record of excellent results and his dedication to restoring maximum function.
How Do I Schedule an Appointment?
If you have sustained an elbow fracture and need to see an orthopaedic specialist, we make the process of scheduling an appointment with Dr. Srinath Kamineni as easy as possible. Our dedicated teams in Olney and Mount Carmel are available to help you find a prompt appointment to ensure you receive timely care for your injury. You can call our office directly to speak with a member of our staff or use our convenient online scheduling system to request a consultation. Taking action quickly is key to a successful recovery. Contact us today to secure your appointment with a leading elbow surgeon.
Will the plates and screws be removed later?
In most cases, the hardware used during fracture fixation surgery is designed to stay in the body permanently and does not cause problems. However, if the plates or screws become prominent, cause irritation, or limit motion after the bone has fully healed, a second, smaller surgery may be performed to remove them.
What are the risks of elbow fracture surgery?
As with any surgery, there are risks, including infection, nerve or blood vessel damage, and anesthesia complications. Specific to elbow surgery, the primary risks are stiffness (loss of motion), nonunion (where the bone fails to heal), and post-traumatic arthritis. Choosing a highly experienced surgeon like Dr. Kamineni helps to minimize these risks.
Will I regain full motion in my elbow?
The primary goal of elbow fracture fixation surgery is to restore a functional, stable, and painless joint. While many patients achieve a near-normal range of motion, it is common to have some degree of permanent stiffness after a severe elbow fracture. Diligently following your post-operative rehabilitation plan is the best way to maximize your functional recovery.