Radial Head Fracture
Description
Like other elbow fractures, radial head fractures commonly occur when using an outstretched arm to break the force of a fall. A radial head fracture is a break of the radial arm bone at the point nearest the elbow. Read on to learn more about how to recover from it.
Causes & Triggers
- Falls (especially with outstretched arm)
- Direct hit or blow
- High-impact collision
- Sports injuries
Signs & Symptoms
- Apparent deformity or bone protrusion
- Bruising
- Limited or inability to move elbow
- Numbness
- Pain
- Sensation of instability
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Tenderness
Tips & Treatment
- Seek medical treatment after an elbow injury, especially if there’s a lot of pain or moving the elbow becomes difficult or impossible.
- Radial head fracture accounts for nearly one-fourth of all elbow injuries.
- This fracture commonly accompanies elbow dislocation.
- Women are more likely than men to experience a radial head fracture.
- Women and men ages 30 to 40 are more likely to experience it.
- Non-surgical treatment may involve immobilizing the joint with a splint or sling, followed by prescribed physical therapy.
- If the bone is out of place, surgical intervention may be necessary and may include the insertion of metal plates and screws.
