Coronoid Process Fracture (elbow)

Patient Information Leaflet

Overview of your injury

• You have a coronoid process fracture.
• This is a break to a bone in your elbow.

Healing

• It normally takes six weeks for this fracture to heal.
• Smoking will slow down your healing.
• We would advise that you stop smoking while your fracture heals.
• Talk to your GP or go to www.smokefree.nhs.uk for more information.

Pain and Swelling

• Your elbow may be swollen and you will have some pain.
• Taking pain medication and using ice or cold packs will help. More information about this can be found later in this leaflet.

Wearing your sling

• Your sling should be worn for comfort in the first two weeks.
• You can take it off to wash, dress and exercise. It does not need to be worn at night.

Exercise and activity

• Elbows get stiff very quickly.
• It is important to start exercising as soon as possible.
• You will find pictures and instructions for your exercises later in this leaflet.
• Do not lift anything that is more than the weight of a cup of tea for the first six weeks.
• You can do light activities when your pain has settled.

Follow up

• You will see an upper limb specialist in the Fracture Clinic.
• You may have another x-ray to check the position of your fracture. The specialist will explain the next stage of your rehabilitation.
• Contact our team if you do not receive your appointment letter.

Any questions?

• If you are concerned about your symptoms, are unable to follow this rehabilitation plan or notice pain other than at your elbow, please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic.

Caring for your injury: Week 1-6

Wear your sling for the first two weeks.

• Take the sling off for washing, dressing and to do your exercises.

Using a cold pack will help with your pain and swelling.

• You can use an ice pack or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel.
• Put this on your elbow for 15 minutes every few hours.
• Make sure the ice isn’t in direct contact with your skin.

Try to rest your elbow, especially in the first 24-72 hours.

Exercises

• Regular exercise will prevent stiffness and help to recover movement.
• Try to do these exercises every hour.
• If this is too painful, start with three to four times a day.
• Repeat each exercise 10 times.

1. Open and close your hand. Next, move you wrist up and down.
2. After a few days, hold a soft ball/ball of socks. Squeeze the ball as hard as possible without pain. Hold for 5 seconds.

1. Bend and straighten your elbow so you feel a mild to moderate stretch. Do not push into pain.
2. Bend your elbow to 90 degrees. Slowly turn your palm up and down until you feel a mild to moderate stretch. Take things at your own pace and stop if you feel pain or discomfort.

Caring for your injury: Week 6-12

• Your fracture should now be healed.
• You can gradually increase your day-to-day activity. Be guided by any pain or discomfort you may still have.
• It is normal to still have mild discomfort. This may continue for three to six months.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am struggling with my sling. What do I do?

• Contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic. We are happy to give further advice or change your sling if needed.

I have not received my appointment letter, what do I do?

• If you have not received your letter for your first appointment in the fracture clinic, please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic.
• If you are expecting a follow up appointment with your consultant, please contact the booking hub on 020 7288 3310.

When can I start driving? You can return to driving when:

• You are no longer in a cast or sling,
• You can move comfortably and
• You can control the vehicle safely.
• Always test your ability to drive in a safe environment first.

How can I get a certificate for work?

• You can get a fitness for work statement from your GP or the doctor at your Fracture Clinic appointment.

Contact our service

The Virtual Fracture Clinic
Call us on 020 7288 3310 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)
Email: whh-tr.fracturevirtualclinic@nhs.net

With thanks to Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust for kindly sharing their information sheets with us with full permission to use contents and images.