Radial Head Fracture
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Orthopaedic Surgeon
56 Kifisias Ave. & Delfon St.,
Marousi, 15125
- Symptoms
- Conservative Treatment
- Surgical Treatment
- Cost
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A radial head fracture is one of the most common fractures in the elbow area. The radial head is the part of the radius located near the elbow and helps with pronation and supination of the forearm (turning the palm upwards and downwards).
RADIAL HEAD FRACTURE – CAUSES
The most common injury mechanism is a fall onto the palm of the hand with the arm either flexed or extended. Occasionally, other injuries may also coexist, such as additional fractures and ligament injuries of the elbow.
RADIAL HEAD FRACTURE – SYMPTOMS
Pain: Severe pain on the outer side of the elbow, especially during forearm rotation or wrist movement.
Swelling: Visible swelling around the elbow joint.
Tenderness: Tenderness on palpation on the outer side of the elbow.
Limited Mobility: Difficulty or inability to fully extend or bend the elbow, or rotate the forearm (pronation and supination).
Bruising: Possible appearance of bruising around the elbow.
Deformity: In severe fractures, visible deformity may be present.
RADIAL HEAD FRACTURE – DIAGNOSIS
If you think you have an elbow fracture, seek medical attention immediately. The Orthopaedic Surgeon will examine the area and request X-rays to confirm the fracture. The X-rays will show exactly where the fracture is located and the extent of the injury. In some cases, further investigation with a CT scan or MRI scan may be required (if there is suspicion of ligament injury of the elbow).
RADIAL HEAD FRACTURE – CONSERVATIVE TREATMENT
Most radial head fractures are treated conservatively. Conservative treatment is indicated for fractures that are non-displaced or minimally displaced. Conservative treatment includes:
Immobilisation: Immobilisation of the elbow using a sling for 2–3 weeks. The use of a plaster splint or prolonged immobilisation is not recommended in order to avoid elbow stiffness.
Pain Management: Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain control and reduction of inflammation.
Ice Therapy: Ice therapy is recommended for 15–20 minutes, four times a day.
Physiotherapy: Gradual range-of-motion exercises to prevent stiffness.
Regular Follow-up: Conservative management of a radial head fracture requires regular follow-up with clinical examination and X-rays.
RADIAL HEAD FRACTURE – SURGICAL TREATMENT
Surgical treatment is recommended for more severe fractures, especially those that are displaced and comminuted, or in cases where there are fractures in other areas and/or injury to the elbow ligaments. Surgical treatment may include:
Open Reduction and Internal Fixation: The fragments of the broken bone are repositioned and stabilised with specialised small screws.
Radial Head Arthroplasty: In comminuted fractures with multiple fragments where reconstruction of the bone is not possible, the radial head is replaced with a specialised artificial and fully biocompatible implant.
RECOVERY AFTER RADIAL HEAD FRACTURE SURGERY
Before discharge from the hospital, the patient will discuss in detail with Dr Leonidou the surgical findings and will receive the relevant booklet with postoperative instructions. After surgery, the patient will wear a sling for 3–4 weeks. Early mobilisation of the elbow is encouraged to prevent stiffness. The patient will be monitored by a physiotherapist from our team, following an individualised rehabilitation protocol. Most patients fully return to their daily activities within 2 months.
CAN I HAVE AN MRI WITH INTERNAL FIXATION MATERIALS?
Dr Leonidou uses the most modern and reliable materials. Patients can safely undergo MRI scans postoperatively.
WHAT IS THE COST OF SURGERY FOR THE TREATMENT OF A RADIAL HEAD FRACTURE?
The cost is quite affordable and depends on the severity of the fracture and the specialised materials that need to be used. For more information regarding the procedure and the cost of surgery, you can contact us.
If you have sustained a radial head fracture, consult the specialised Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Andreas Leonidou.
Book your appointment for immediate diagnosis, specialist care, and targeted treatment in just one visit.