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Copyright 2007 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
Radial Head Fractures

Trying to break a fall by putting your hand out in front of you seems almost instinctive. But the force of the fall could travel up the lower forearm bones and dislocate the elbow. It also could break the smaller bone (radius) in the forearm. A break can occur near the elbow at the radial "head."

Cause

Radial head fractures are common injuries, occurring in about 20 percent of all acute elbow injuries. They are more frequent in women than in men and occur most often between 30 and 40 years of age.

Approximately 10 percent of all elbow dislocations involve a fracture of the radial head. As the upper arm bone (humerus) and the ulna return to their normal alignment, a piece of the radial head bone could be chipped off (fractured).

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Symptoms
  • Pain on the outside of the elbow
  • Swelling in the elbow joint
  • Difficulty in bending or straightening the elbow accompanied by pain
  • Inability or difficulty in turning the forearm (palm up to palm down or vice versa)
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Treatment

Radial head fractures are classified according to the degree of displacement (movement from the normal position).

Type I Fractures

Type I fractures are generally small, like cracks, and the bone pieces remain fitted together.

  • The fracture may not be visible on initial X-rays, but can usually be seen if the X-ray is taken three weeks after the injury.
  • Nonsurgical treatment involves using a splint or sling for a few days, followed by early motion.
  • If too much motion is attempted too quickly, the bones may shift and become displaced.

Type II Fractures

Type II fractures are slightly displaced and involve a larger piece of bone.

  • If displacement is minimal, splinting for one to two weeks, followed by range of motion exercises, is usually successful.
  • Small fragments may be surgically removed.
  • If the fragment is large and can be fitted back to the bone, the orthopaedic surgeon will first attempt to fix it with pins or screws. If this is not possible, however, the surgeon will remove the broken pieces or the radial head.
  • For older, less active individuals, the surgeon may simply remove the broken piece, or perhaps the entire radial head.
  • The surgeon will also correct any other soft-tissue injury, such as a torn ligament.

Type III Fractures

Type III fractures have multiple broken pieces of bone, which cannot be fitted back together for healing.

  • Usually, there is also significant damage to the joint and ligaments.
  • Surgery is always required to remove the broken bits of bone, including the radial head, and repair the soft-tissue damage.
  • Early movement to stretch and bend the elbow is necessary to avoid stiffness.
  • A prosthesis (artificial radial head) can be used to prevent deformity if elbow instability is severe.

Even the simplest of fractures will probably result in some loss of extension in the elbow. Regardless of the type of fracture or the treatment used, physical therapy will be needed before resuming full activities.

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Last reviewed and updated: October 2007
AAOS does not review or endorse accuracy or effectiveness of materials, treatments or physicians.
Copyright 2007 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
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The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
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Phone: 847.823.7186
Email: orthoinfo@aaos.org
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