Q: I fell on my hand recently to stop myself from falling and now my elbow hurts. How do I know if I've fractured something?

A: A number of different types of upper extremity fractures can occur as a result of this type of accident - using an outstretched arm to break a fall. Distal radius fractures are common wrist fractures associated with such an accident. And radial head fractures are common elbow fractures.

If pain occurs in the elbow area, it is likely that this is an elbow fracture, or a fracture to the radial head - which account for approximately 10 percent of all elbow dislocations. This occurs when the force absorbed by the hand in breaking a fall travels up the forearm and impacts the elbow.

Common symptoms associated with a radial head fracture include: pain on the lateral portion (outside of the elbow); pain and difficulty bending or straightening the elbow; swelling in the elbow joint and an inability to turn the forearm - palm up to palm down.