Distal humerus fracture
A distal humerus fracture is a break in the lower end of the upper arm bone (humerus) where it forms the top part of the elbow joint.
Distal humerus fracture overview
The distal humerus is the lower portion of the upper arm bone that creates the bony points felt on the inside and outside of your elbow, running just above the ulnar nerve (often referred to as the ‘funny bone’). Although fairly unusual, fractures in this area are serious injuries because they directly affect the alignment and movement of the elbow joint. These fractures are typically caused by a direct blow to the elbow, such as a fall onto a hard surface or an impact during sports, or by falling onto an outstretched arm with the elbow locked, which drives the forearm bone (ulna) forcefully into the humerus. Prompt specialist assessment is essential to restore joint stability and preserve full long-term function.
Common symptoms include:
Severe, immediate pain in the upper arm and elbow
Swelling and extensive bruising around the joint
Stiffness and inability to bend or straighten the arm
A feeling of instability or weakness in the elbow
Visible deformity, or in rare cases, an open fracture where the bone has pierced the skin
How is a distal humerus fracture diagnosed?
Diagnosing a distal humerus fracture involves a thorough physical evaluation by your consultant to check for bone displacement, joint stability, and any nerve or blood vessel involvement.
X-rays will be taken to confirm the diagnosis and assess the pattern of the break. In complex cases, a CT scan may also be used to provide detailed 3D images of the bone fragments.
Are there any risks?
Complications can occur following a distal humerus fracture or its repair. Potential risks include:
- Irritation or damage to nearby nerves (particularly the ulnar nerve), leading to numbness or weakness in the hand and fingers
- Joint stiffness or permanent reduction in elbow range of motion
- Infection around the surgical site or internal hardware
- Delayed healing or failure of the bone to unite (non-union)
- Post-traumatic arthritis in the elbow joint
- The need for further surgery to remove hardware or release scar tissue
Your specialist will discuss all potential risks with you in detail prior to treatment.
Recovery from a distal humerus fracture
Rest and immobilisation
Your arm will be protected in a cast, splint, or post-operative dressing. Focus on keeping your arm elevated to reduce swelling and keeping dressings clean and dry. Gently moving your fingers and shoulder (if comfortable) helps prevent stiffness.
Controlled movement
Your specialist will review your progress, remove any stitches, and take follow-up X-rays to check bone healing. You will usually transition to a removable brace and begin gentle, non-weight-bearing range-of-motion exercises guided by your physiotherapist.
Progressive rehabilitation
As the bone continues to consolidate, you will begin light strengthening exercises and gradually increase daily use of the arm. Most light non-manual tasks can be resumed during this phase.
Advanced recovery and strength
Rehabilitation focuses on restoring full functional strength and maximum range of motion. Heavy lifting, manual work, and contact sports are gradually reintroduced as guided by your consultant.
Working with elbow professionals and teams
Our elbow specialists support professional athletes, sports teams, active individuals and people whose work places high demands on their elbows. Working closely with radiologists, physiotherapists and the wider multidisciplinary team, they provide coordinated care from diagnosis through to rehabilitation, helping each person return safely to sport, work or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or recovery goals.
Our Experts - Leaders in Elbow treatment
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William StreetEC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- MRI Scan
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1U 2EU
- 020 3195 2442
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic Marylebone Wing
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore StreetW1U 2SB
- +442031952442
- Open 24 hours
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT guided injection
- MRI Scan
- CT Scan
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
Take a tour of our clinic virtually through Google 360 views here.
We are open Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm, and Saturday mornings from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground station is Wimbledon (District Line), which also has rail and tramlink services from central London and beyond.
There is no parking available at the clinic, but we have a number of parking facilities all within a 10-12 minute walk of the clinic: Centre Court Car Park, Broadway Car Park, and Hartfield Road Car Park. Please note that all of these facilities are paid car parks.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple RoadSW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- MRI Scan
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