Radial Head Fracture
A radial head fracture is a break to the Radius bone (one of the 2 forearm bones), at the top of the bone, just below the elbow joint. This is a common injury in athletes and usually occurs as a result of a fall onto an outstretched hand.
Symptoms of a Radial Head Fracture
- Instant pain.
- Pain is located on the inside of the elbow joint.
- Swelling is usually present.
- It may be difficult to turn the forearm over.
- Pain on trying to bend or straighten the elbow.
Most radial head fractures are not displaced, meaning the fractured fragment of bone does not move away from the fracture site. This means they are easier to treat and do not usually require surgery.
Radial head fractures are not always seen on early x-rays, although should be clear after 2-3 weeks rest.
This injury is also associated with elbow dislocations - with 10% of dislocations involving a radial head fracture.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the presence and amount of displacement.
- A grade 1 injury with no displacement is initial immobilisation with a removable splint followed by relatively early mobility exercises.
- When displacement is present, surgery may be required. If the fragment is one large piece, this involves fixing it back to the bone with pins or wires.
- When the fragment is broken into several smaller pieces, the surgeon may op to remove them altogether.
