Kate is pain free and has full use of her arm within 5 weeks of surgery for elbow fracture

Kate slipped in heavy rain and landed on her elbow, suffering from a painful, badly swollen elbow. Following x-rays, it was confirmed the elbow was broken and she needed surgery to fix it.

Kate is full of praise for Professor Ali Noorani and shares her experience:

“Having slipped on a metal grating in heavy rain and landing on my elbow, I went to the nearest Urgent Care, suffering from a painful, badly swollen elbow. Following x-rays, it was confirmed the elbow was broken and I was referred to Professor Ali Noorani. That was the best thing that could have happened!! Mr Noorani clearly explained the fracture and what needed to be done to repair it. I was understandably concerned that the arm might never be the same again, but I was reassured that with the surgery and physiotherapy, my arm ought to be just fine or as close as made little difference. The surgery went extremely well, and I was home three and a half hours after entering the operating theatre. I was supplied with painkillers but, apart from taking paracetamol for the first 36 hours, none was needed. The following week, the plaster was removed and all that was required was a sling to cradle the arm. After another two weeks, the sling was discarded. The healing process has gone remarkably well and much faster than I ever thought possible. Now, just two months on, I have finished my physiotherapy and have full use of my arm. Apart from a scar where the incision was made, there is no evidence of the accident and I couldn’t be happier!”

Professor Ali Noorani’s take home lesson on elbow fractures:

“I see quite a few elbow fractures as they are relatively common injury after a fall. Most elbow fractures don’t require a fixation. In some cases, where the fracture is displaced (out of position) or if it is unstable then it requires surgery for fixation. Elbows don’t like being put in plasters as they become very stiff so if we have an unstable or displaced fracture the key is to reduce them anatomically, i.e, in the exact same position as it was before the injury and to fix them well. This allows for early mobilisation so patients return to normal activity very quickly as demonstrated by this patient.”