Blood and Fluid Build-Up in the Elbow

Question

Dear TAI Experts:

A week ago I was in a nasty fall…luckily I didn’t get hurt worse. I fell to my knees and palms. I guess in the impact of the fall I leaned more to the left arm than to the right; as soon as I got up I could feel the pain in my left elbow. It wasn’t scraped or any evidence of the fall except on my knees and palms. By the evening, I could not extend my left elbow without feeling pain and barely had strength to move it. I went to minor emergency and they put me through x-rays. The first doctor saw a fracture in the elbow. They placed me in a splint. The second doctor did not see the fracture and sent me for more x-rays. The x-rays came back…and they have concluded they do not see a fractue but they do see a build up of blood and fluid in the x-ray. They are referring me to an orthopedic surgeon for this matter. My question is how bad is having build up of blood and fluid as opposed to having a fracture? And should I be seeing an orthopedic surgeon for this matter being that the x-rays showed no broken or fractured bones?

Answer

Without doing an examination I cannot comment on your specific condition, but I can make some general comments. A build-up of blood and fluid can be the result of soft tissue damage not seen on an x-ray, such as damage to the ligaments or tendons. It is a good idea to see the orthopedic surgeon because he/she can offer a third opinion regarding the possible fracture and/or other tissue damage. If there is blood in the fluid, this can cause damage to the cartilage of the joint and should be drained, which an orthopedist can do as well. If no surgery is indicated and there was soft tissue injury, a physical therapist can help to evaluate and treat this condition by using modalities (such as ultrasound, ice, and electric stimulation) to decrease swelling and pain. A physical therapist can also use exercise and hands-on techniques to facilitate healing and improve strength and range of motion. I recommend you see the orthopedic surgeon and then, if indicated, a physical therapist for further evaluation.

Amy Temes, PT, DPT