Broken Elbow

1. Reduce Swelling

• Apply ice.
• If bone is pushing through skin, do not touch it or try to put it back in place.

2. Immobilize the Elbow
For less serious injuries:

• Cut away the sleeve if it cannot be removed without moving the injured elbow.
• If you can without moving the elbow, tie splints on with fabric or elastic bandages above and below the elbow.
• Cardboard, rolled-up newspaper, or other stiff material can be used as splints.
• Put padding between the splints and the bony parts of the arm.
• Make a sling and place the person's arm in it. Tie the sling around the person's neck.

3. See a Health Care Provider Immediately

4. Follow Up

• The health care provider will likely take X-rays and check for feeling and range of motion to determine whether there has been nerve or tendon damage.
• The health care provider may apply a splint or cast.
• Surgery may be needed for more complicated fractures.

SOURCES:

FamilyDoctor.org: "Hand/Wrist/Arm Problems."

Seattle Children's Hospital: "Bone, Joint and Muscle Conditions: Fractures."

Merck Manuals: "Emergency First Aid Priorities."

US Naval Academy: "Casualty Evaluation and Evacuation."

Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide: "How to Splint a Fracture."