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Suggest Treatment For Sharp Pain In Elbow Caused By Spiral Fracture In Left Humerus

Posted on Thu, 19 Mar 2015

Question: Hello,
I had surgery about 12 months ago on my left humerus suffering a spiral fracture from arm wrestling a friend at a party. I been suffering sharp pain in my elbow since and also pain on the inner side of my arm just above my elbow. I want to work out to regain strength but cannot due to the pain. What could be the cause? I have scans from a few months ago if I can send them to you somehow. I just really need advice as I cannot seem to get it from my GP.
Regards XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It can be Infection or non union

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
If your fracture is not healed than it can cause such pain. Second cause can be due to infection.Before I advised you any further I would like to know little detail about your Fracture.
1. What type of implant was used? Is it a rod or a plate?
2. Did you had any pus discharge in the past?
3. Did this pain started immediately after surgery or after some time?
4. Please send me your current X rays.
I am waiting for these answers. I will try my best to help you.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (9 minutes later)

Answers
1. Plate and screws
2. Yes I had my body discharge pus and was rejecting the stitches and my body was pushing them out I had to get antibiotics
3. It started some time after the surgery it wasn't there straight away
4. I have attached XRAYS AND ULTRASOUND IMAGES from 7/10/2014

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I need your current x rays

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I need your current x rays and blood reports. I do not need old x rays or sonography . And one more question, Are you still having pus discharge?
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (8 minutes later)

These are the newest x rays I have.

I am not having discharge anymore. The discharge and the stitches being rejected happened within the first 2 months of the operation. I have had no discharge since.

My pain in my elbow and inner arm has been occurring since about 7 months ago.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please resend image number 1 to 12.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
At present I can not see your x ray on the website. It can be a technical issue. Can you send me your fresh x rays again. I only want latest x rays. No need to send all x rays.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (5 minutes later)

I have sent through the X Rays there are 4 images

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You need plate removal

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case and X rays. I think your bone is united. In some patients pain persist even after union because of the plate. And as you also had infection in past.
So I would recommend you to get this plate removed and after that continue your muscle building exercises.Doctors can also clean any remaining debris of past infection in side the wound.
After plate removal you should avoid heavy load for one month, because bone under the plate remains weak.
I hope this answer will be useful for you. Let me know if there is any other followup questions.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (5 minutes later)

I just have a few questions. :)

What do you mean by the bone is united?

If I am to have the plate removed how long do you think I will have to take time off from work?

Will my incision take as long to heal as it did last time when they cut me open again?

What are the chances of the holes from the screws not healing?

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Incision will heal faster this time.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Following are the answers of your questions in same sequence.
1.In mean that fracture is fully healed and plate can be removed safely.
2.Your work off depend on nature of your work, but if you are doing a desk job, you can start in two weeks.
3. This time as there is no infection so wound healing will be faster, Stitches can be removed at two weeks.
4. Holes of screws will not cause any problem, they will be healed in one month so You should not do any heavy work for one month.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (6 minutes later)

I am a offset printer I do a lot of heavy lifting and am always using my hands. It is a manual labor job. I would not want to go back too soon.

Do you think one month off work would be sufficient to being able to lift 15 to 40kg again? Or would I need more time off.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You can take two months off

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
If you are a manual worker,I would suggest you to take two months off. Also during two months time you should wear a humerus brace to protect your arm. You should gradually increase your work load. Do not do any thing when you feel pain.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (4 minutes later)

Thank you for all your help. It is much appreciated.
Regards XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Please keep in touch

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It was my pleasure. Be in touch. Let me know about your arm time to time.
Thanks again.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar