Description

A radial head fracture is a break in forearm bone on the inside aspect of the wrist (thumb side). The radial head meets the end of the humerus, called the capitellum. Rotation of the forearm occurs mainly at this joint.

What are the causes?

Patients that are older or those with weakened bone (osteoporosis, osteopenia, tumors, etc.) are susceptible to fracture after trauma. A fall on an outstretched hand is the most common mechanism of radial head fracture.

What are the symptoms?

Radial head fractures cause pain and loss of function, including the ability to fully extend or flex the elbow and rotate the wrist. Patients will often experience clicking when they try to rotate the wrist.

How is it diagnosed?

Your surgeon will perform a physical exam and obtain X-rays. Your surgeon may order additional diagnostic tests to evaluate the fracture better (CT/”CAT” scan) to better evaluate the bone or MRI to evaluate the muscles, tendons and ligaments.

How is it treated?

Non-operative

Non-operative treatment is recommended for non-displaced fractures and those that do not extend into the joint. Your surgeon may recommend medication, a sling, cryotherapy and activity modification while the fracture heals. Scheduled visits with your surgeon for repeat X-rays is common. Physical therapy is at your surgeon’s discretion.

Operative

Operative treatment is recommended when the fracture is not in line (aka - displaced) and the chance of healing in a normal position is minimal. Your surgeon has multiple choices of fixation techniques and depends on the fracture type, risk of not healing and patient activity level. The fracture can be fixed with screws or a radial head replacement. For fractures that cannot be fixed or replaced, your surgeon may choose to remove the fractured bone. Postoperative medication and physical therapy are at your surgeon’s discretion.