Radial Head Fracture Treatment in Arlington, VA
A radial head fracture is a crack or break in the smaller of the two forearm bones (radius) in the upper section near the elbow. The most common cause is a fall onto an outstretched hand with the arm straight or slightly bent. In addition to breaking the bone, the force of the fall can travel up the forearm, dislocate the elbow joint and stretch or tear the surrounding ligaments.
What Are the Signs of a Radial Head Fracture?
The symptoms of a radial head fracture can include:
- Pain on the outer side of the elbow
- Swelling in the elbow joint
- Difficulty bending or straightening the arm
- Difficulty turning the forearm (from palm up to palm down or vice versa)
How Is a Radial Head Fracture Treated?
Treatment for this type of elbow injury can vary depending on the nature and severity of the break. Radial head fractures can be classified as:
Type I
A Type I radial head fracture is a small crack in the bone, which may not be visible in the initial X-rays because the bone pieces are still firmly fitted together. This type of injury is usually treated conservatively with a splint or sling, which is worn to immobilize the affected arm as it heals. As comfort allows, elbow and wrist movement can be gradually resumed, but if too much motion is attempted too soon, the ends of the broken bone may shift out of place.
Type II
A Type II radial head fracture is displaced, which means the ends of the broken bone have shifted out of position. Treatment for a slightly displaced fracture may involve wearing a splint or sling for a few weeks, followed by a progressive series of range-of-motion exercises. If small bone fragments are interfering with elbow movement, they may be surgically removed.
Treatment for a significantly displaced fracture may involve the surgical placement of screws and possibly a plate to hold the bone pieces together as they heal. Alternatively, the broken pieces of the radial head may be surgically removed.
Type III
A Type III radial head fracture is a bone that has shattered or broken into multiple pieces that cannot be put back together for proper healing. The fracture may be accompanied by significant damage to the elbow joint and the surrounding ligaments. Surgery is usually necessary to realign or remove the bone fragments and repair the soft tissue damage. In some cases, an artificial radial head is placed to improve elbow function.
After the surgical repair of a radial head fracture, lifting and weight bearing should be avoided for up to 12 weeks. Depending on the fracture pattern and the accompanying injuries, a cast or splint may be worn to stabilize the arm as it heals. A customized exercise program may be prescribed to restore strength and movement and facilitate a return to full activity.
Consult With an Elbow Specialist in Arlington
If you have sustained an elbow injury, you can request an appointment with an elbow specialist at Nirschl Orthopaedic Center in Arlington, VA. Contact us at (703) 525-2200 today.