Broken elbow

Broken elbows in children

Read the information in the following pages to learn more about the diagnosis and treatment that Boston Children's Hospital provides for every type and severity of broken elbow in children.

What are broken elbows?

A broken elbow is a break, at or near the elbow joint, in one or more of the three arm bones that form the joint: the humerus (upper arm bone), radius and/or ulna (forearm bones).

Pediatric elbow fractures are usually the result of an impact injury, like in a direct blow, or when a child uses his outstretched arm to break a fall. A fractured elbow is typically treated by splinting or casting the area for about four weeks.

Broken elbow: Reviewed by Travis H. Matheney, MD, MLA
© Boston Children’s Hospital, 2012