In a car wreck, the elbow is less commonly injured by fracture than by strains and sprains of its multiple ligaments which connect the bones of the upper arm and forearm.  Nonetheless, elbow injuries are disabling and often take as long to heal as bone injuries.

Elbow fractures are very painful and disabling. Direct trauma typically cause a fracture of the proximal ulna at the elbow joint, this is called an olecranon fracture. Fractures of the proximal radius at the elbow are commonly associated with elbow dislocation and may be subtle and not diagnosed with initial x-rays.  The ulnar nerve traverses the lateral elbow (your funny bone) and elbow injuries can impinge upon this nerve causing an ulnar nerve palsy or cubital tunnel syndrome which will cause sensory or motor deficit in the lateral aspect of the hand.  This may require nerve decompression surgery. Even with surgery, a full recovery can take 12 to 18 months. 

If you have suffered an elbow injury from a car wreck, you should consult with an experienced Alpharetta personal injury lawyer to make sure your rights are protected.