Fractures that damage the growth plate are particularly serious because of the potential impact on future bone growth.
The symptoms of an elbow fracture are similar to those of any fracture: pain, tenderness, swelling, and limitation of movement. You should be particularly suspicious of an elbow fracture if your child falls and then will not straighten his or her arm. X-rays are particularly useful in the diagnosis of elbow fractures because they can tell the physician where the fracture is located and how much movement of the bones has occurred. The physician will also wish to determine whether there is nerve or blood vessel damage. Surgery and sometimes pins may be needed to re-align the bones.
Use of appropriate protective equipment for sports can reduce the risk of elbow fracture.