Introduction
A severe elbow fracture is one of the most complex orthopedic injuries, often involving multiple bones of the elbow joint. When the upper arm bone (humerus) and the two forearm bones (radius and ulna) are disrupted, it can cause immediate joint pain, swelling, and loss of motion. One Dawsonville GA patient suffered this exact problem—a shattered radial head that could not be repaired with plates or screws. The solution was a surgical radial head replacement performed by board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Thomas Neustein. Thanks to his fellowship trained expertise and attentive follow-up, the patient regained motion and confidence in her arm.
Patient Review (verbatim)
“Dr. Neustein is the best surgeon in my eyes! I fell and shattered my elbow, where I needed to have surgery to replace my elbow with a radial head/neck prosthetic. First initial office visit his office team was nice and friendly, & Dr. Neustein took the time to explain to me what was broken and what needed to be done to fix it. He was not in a rush and took his time with me answering any questions I had for him. The surgery center team was also wonderful! They were very friendly with smiling faces. Everyone took great care of me, including Dr. Neustein. I had the best experience with Specialty Orthopedics, and I highly recommend them & Dr. Neustein.”
Dr. Neustein’s Approach
Radial head replacements are advanced orthopedic surgery procedures reserved for cases where bones are too fragmented to reconstruct. In this Dawsonville location case, Dr. Neustein:
- Diagnosed the fracture and explained the problem clearly.
- Reviewed treatment options, including why repair was not possible.
- Performed radial head and neck replacement at his orthopedic ASC in Gainesville GA.
- Guided recovery with physical therapy and structured follow-up in Dawsonville.
Education: Understanding the Elbow Joint
The elbow joint is comprised of three bones: the humerus of the upper arm, and the radius and ulna of the forearm. Ligaments, tendons, and muscles stabilize and allow motion. When the radial head shatters into many fragments, the joint cannot function normally. Surgical replacement restores alignment, reduces friction inside the joint, and helps patients regain daily use of the arm, hand, and wrist.
Signs and Symptoms of Complex Elbow Fractures
Patients with severe elbow fractures often notice:
- Sudden severe pain and swelling after a fall or trauma.
- Inability to bend or rotate the arm.
- Loss of strength in the forearm or hand.
- Visible deformity at the elbow.
Prompt diagnosis is essential because untreated fractures can cause arthritis, instability, and long-term loss of motion.
Understanding the Type of Elbow Fracture
Every elbow fracture is different, and the type of injury depends on how the bones break. Some patients have simple cracks, while others suffer severe injuries at the lower end of the humerus or shattered pieces of the radius. These cases require an orthopedic surgeon to determine whether fixation or replacement is the best treatment option.
Symptoms Patients May Feel
Patients often describe a sudden sharp feeling of pain after falling on a bent or outstretched arm. This is usually followed by swelling, bruising, and loss of motion inside the elbow joint. If you notice these signs, it is important to seek care at the Dawsonville location quickly for diagnosis and treatment options.
Treatment Options: Non-Surgical vs Surgical
Not all elbow fractures require surgery. Some can be treated with a splint or cast if the bones are aligned. But in cases where the radial head is shattered, surgical replacement is the only option to restore joint stability. The benefits of radial head replacement include:
- Allowing early motion to prevent stiffness.
- Protecting surrounding ligaments and tendons from long-term damage.
- Reducing the risk of chronic joint pain and arthritis.
Recovery Process
After surgery, patients usually begin gentle exercises within days. Physical therapy helps restore range of motion and strengthen surrounding muscles. Over time, the joint adapts to the prosthetic, allowing the patient to return to daily activities such as lifting, writing, or using the wrist and hand. Most Dawsonville patients report improvement in function and a significant reduction in pain.
Why Choose Dr. Neustein for Elbow Surgery in Dawsonville
Patients throughout North Georgia and Dawsonville GA trust Dr. Neustein because he:
- Is a board certified, fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand and upper extremity care.
- Offers immediate evaluation and diagnosis at the Dawsonville office location.
- Performs complex orthopedic surgery at the Gainesville surgery center with an expert team.
- Provides comprehensive Dawsonville orthopedic care so patients receive follow-up close to home.
Other Orthopedic Conditions Treated
In addition to complex elbow fracture Dawsonville treatment, Dr. Neustein cares for patients with:
- Wrist and hand fractures.
- Shoulder injuries and rotator cuff tears.
- Hip, knee, and spine conditions requiring evaluation.
- Tendon and ligament injuries throughout the upper extremity.
Call to Action
If you or a loved one experiences a complex elbow fracture, don’t delay treatment. Dr. Neustein provides Dawsonville orthopedic care with surgical expertise in Gainesville GA. Schedule your appointment today by calling (770) 532-7202.
