Fracture Management in Kansas City

Based on the results of your interview, examination, and imaging studies, you can expect a custom care plan catered specifically to you.

Many people believe it’s best to wait until pain becomes severe, leading them to “put off” or delay treatments like Tommy John surgery.

If you are in constant discomfort, have shooting or stabbing pains, have limited range of motion, or an inability to perform your daily activities, Tommy John surgery may be right for you.

New technologies allow patients with elbow pain to fully recover and enjoy the benefits of a more functional, pain-free lifestyle.

Prior to surgery, you will typically receive at least 2 phone calls:

• A hospital registration representative will call to gather insurance and other personal information.
• A registered nurse will call to review your health history and medication information.

Dependent on your health history, your physician may require:

• Pre-surgical laboratory tests
• X-rays
• Primary care clearance

Pre-operative instructions will vary depending on your physician and the location of your surgery. Always check with your physician prior to surgery.

Most physicians require that patients not eat or drink after midnight prior to surgery the next day.

Additionally, you will need a designated family member or friend to drive you home on the day you are released from the hospital. Surgical patients cannot drive themselves home.

If you schedule your surgery with a KCOA physician, you can expect the following on surgery day: 

• A receptionist will check you in at the hospital registration desk.
• A nurse will take you back and prepare you for surgery. They will start an IV, prepare the surgical site, and review your medical history and medications.
• Your surgeon and anesthesiologist will visit with you prior to your operation.
• The surgical team will take you to the operation suite for surgery.

The type of procedure necessary to repair an elbow fracture can vary tremendously based on the extent of the damage observed with imaging studies or arthroscopy. 

Significant fractures may require a more open approach using larger incisions to allow the surgeon better access in visualizing and repairing the damaged area. We are always conscious about minimizing incision size, bone loss and bleeding with any surgical procedure of the elbow.

If a bone in your elbow is fully displaced, your provider may recommend surgery to help fix the issue. This will involve putting the pieces back in their proper alignment to allow for healing.

This can involve a few different surgical procedures, including closed reduction with percutaneous pinning or open reduction with internal fixation.

After your surgery, you will remain in the recovery room while our experienced clinical team monitors you, providing pain relief medication if needed.

Many of our fracture repair patients are able to return home that day, but others may require a brief hospital stay.

In most cases involving an elbow fracture, a large dressing may be placed over the surgical site and you may be fitted with a brace, splint or sling.

You can expect swelling, soreness and bruising in your elbow for several days after surgery. The swelling and discoloration may also spread to your hand or lower arm. It’s important to keep your arm elevated with an ice pack after surgery to reduce swelling and soreness.

Each fracture and your recovery is dependent on a variety of factors including your health prior to the injury and the extent of the damage that occurred.

Because of this, predicting recovery times is challenging, but it may take several months to regain normal range of motion, strength and function of your elbow.

Additionally, it’s recommended that patients exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet to help aid the recovery process. This helps to alleviate stress to the joint and allows for quicker healing.