Elbow fracture

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Three different bones meet at the elbow joint. An elbow fracture can describe a broken bone of either the radius, ulna or humerus in the joint.

Key points

Your child needs a cast to help heal a fractured elbow.
Your child will need the cast for at least three weeks.
Your child will need to avoid high-impact activities after the cast is removed.
Your child's elbow may need a year to fully recover strength and movement.

Introduction

Fractured elbow affecting the humerus, radius and ulna — Three different bones meet at the elbow joint. In an elbow fracture, the radius, ulna or humerus can be broken in the joint.

A cracked or minor fracture of the elbow

Your child has a minor fracture of the elbow. This might also be called a cracked elbow.

More information

Will my child need surgery?

Your child may need surgery to treat an elbow fracture if the broken pieces are not well aligned. If the bones are well aligned, the injury can be managed with a cast without surgery.

X-ray imaging will determine if the broken pieces are not well aligned and your child will need surgery to realign the broken bones.

Treatment

Your child will need a cast

For the bone to heal, your child will need a cast and a sling. The cast will stay on for about three weeks or more depending on the injury type.

About one week after the cast has been on, your child will need to have a follow-up appointment with the fracture clinic at the hospital. At the clinic, staff will make sure your child's elbow is healing properly. They will also show you how to take off the cast at home.

Depending on the size of the fracture, it may take six months to a year before your child's arm can fully straighten, bend and twist. However, most children do not need physiotherapy.

More information about the treatment

Taking the cast off

You may be instructed to take off the cast at home after three weeks or more depending on the injury type. Removing the cast is not difficult. When taking the cast off, carefully cut up the flannel or soft material side of the cast with scissors.

After removing the cast, your child's arm may be dry and itchy and look dirty. Use warm water and soap to gently wash and cream to moisturize the skin.

When the cast is off, your child can begin moving the elbow. At first, the elbow and wrist may be stiff, but movement will get better with time and activity.

Your child's arm may be smaller and feel weaker than the other arm. The muscles get thin from not being used. The muscles will get bigger and stronger as your child goes back to normal activities.

After the treatment

Healing after the cast is removed

Your child should avoid high-impact activities, such as contact sports, for 12 weeks after their injury. Your child will gradually gain confidence in the arm and will return to regular activities.

If you have any concerns, contact your child's health-care provider or the advanced practice nurse (APN) at the fracture clinic.

Last updated: July 17th 2026