Lateral Epicondyle Fracture · Virtual Fracture Clinic

This information will guide you through the next 6 weeks of your rehabilitation. Use the information below to gain a better understanding of your injury and what can be done to maximise your recovery.

Healing:	This injury will take 6 weeks to heal.

Pain and Swelling:	Your elbow may be swollen. Take pain killers as prescribed.

Using your arm:	It is important to keep the elbow moving to prevent stiffness. You should avoid any heavy lifting for 6 weeks.

Follow up:	We do not routinely follow up patients with this type of injury. If after three weeks you are not close to achieving full movement in your elbow please contact us using the details listed above. We may arrange some physiotherapy to help you with your exercises.

If you are worried that you are unable to follow this rehabilitation plan, or have any questions, then please phone the Fracture Care Team for advice.

Or if you are experiencing pain and symptoms anywhere else, other than at the site of the original injury or surrounding area, please also get in touch using the telephone or e-mail details at the top of this letter.

What to expect

Weeks since injury	Rehabilitation plan
0-2	Wear your sling for comfort Take your arm out of the sling and practice moving the elbow (see below). Do the exercises below every hour in the daytime. You can start straight away.
2-6	Try not to use the sling and do normal light activities X Don't lift more than the weight of a cup of tea for six weeks. Continue with the exercises until you have your full range of movement.
6 -12	The fracture should be healed. Resume normal, day-to-day, activities but be guided by any pain you get. X Heavy tasks may still cause some discomfort and swelling.
12	If you are still experiencing significant pain and stiffness then please contact us for further consultation.

Advice for a new injury

Cold packs: A cold pack (ice pack or frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel) can provide short-term pain relief. Apply this to the sore area for up to 15 minutes, every few hours. The ice must never be in direct contact with the skin.

Rest: Try to rest your arm for the first 24-72 hours. However, it is important to maintain movement in your elbow. Gently move your elbow following the exercises shown. These should not cause too much pain. This will ensure your elbow does not become stiff and it will help the healing process.

Smoking advice

Medical evidence suggests that smoking prolongs fracture healing time. In extreme cases it can stop healing altogether. It is important that you consider this information with relation to your recent injury. Stopping smoking during the healing phase of your fracture will help ensure optimal recovery from this injury.

For advice on smoking cessation and local support available, please refer to the following website: http://smokefree.nhs.uk or discuss this with your GP.

Exercises

Start these exercises as soon as possible and do them 5-6 times a day:

Finger and wrist flexion and extension

Open and close your hand as shown 10-15 times.

Then move your wrist up and down 10-15 times.

After a few days, hold a soft ball/ball of socks. Squeeze the ball as hard as possible without pain.

Hold for 5 seconds and repeat 10 times.

Elbow Bend to Straighten

Bend and straighten your elbow so you feel a mild to moderate stretch. You can use your other arm to assist if necessary. Do not push into pain.

Forearm Rotations

Put your elbow at your side. Bend it to 90 degrees. Slowly rotate your palm up and down until you feel a mild to moderate stretch. You can use your other arm to assist if necessary. Do not push into pain.

Repeat 10-15 times provided there is no increase in symptoms.