3 weeks ago I had an accident where I dislocated my elbow, fractured the elbow (bone chip now embedded), and tore ligaments. I also hurt my wrist... probably some minor ligament damage, though it appears to not be serious. However, the elbow was pretty bad... they had to put me under to reset the arm.

After numerous X-rays, an MRI, and a observation of my elbow movement with a fluoroscope, it was determined I could heal without surgery. While I was reassured by the fact that the surgeon who reviewed all the tests didn't want to operate, I was a little put off that "we would operate if you were a professional athlete." What, my healing isn't as important? I have been in a splint and sling for 3 weeks, with one more week in the splint. I was in the splint 24/7 the first 2 weeks, now I can remove it to shower, and to do my physical therapy. After I get rid of the splint for good, I still have 2-4 more weeks in the sling. Can't wait... this one handed typing is a b****.

It took 2 weeks for any significant change in the swelling of the area where the radius protruded into my arm while it was out of the socket, despite icing and elevation. It was two weeks before they could run the final tests to decide on surgery/no surgery, because of the swelling. Most of the hematomas took two weeks to clear up, and by week 3 there is barely any trace. I still have bruising along the forearm and wrist, and parts of the elbow are still swollen, as well as minor swelling in the area the radius entered.

The specialist/surgeon said it was not a matter of if, but how much, range of motion I would lose. The physical therapist said the goal was to get my extension to 0 degrees (flat), while as of last week I was at 30 degrees (apparently, that is considered "functional"). She didn't give me a goal bending my arm (I was at 90 degrees last week), but said the extension is the harder of the two to recover. I got the impression she was soft pedaling it, trying to be positive and motivational. I can't straighten my arm, and I can't bend it enough to touch my nose. When I take off my splint, I'm reminded of Bob Dole with his one arm that is always bent and at his side.

So... my question is, does anyone have any experience with this? I know everyone is different, but I'd like to know what I might expect. I was told I am facing up to a year of physical therapy, and we don't know how much range of motion I will get back. I'm still getting back strength after not using the arm at all for 2 weeks, and I did get back 5 degrees in one direction and 7 in the other after the first week of physical therapy. But I was told not to expect that every week.

Anyone have any words of wisdom?

Penn State, sorry I don't. But I certainly sympathize. I dislocated my left shoulder a month ago, and it tore the labrum (cartilage socket the shoulder ball fits into). One of the two orthopedists I saw recommended holding off on surgery, but since it's actually getting worse instead of better, he now agrees I have no choice. So I see a 3rd orthopedist on Monday (supposedly the local expert at this kind of surgical repair). Recovery time from the arthroscopic surgery is estimated at 4 - 6 months. I am very very bummed.