What is a radial head fracture of the elbow?
Three arm bones come together at your elbow. They are the:
- Humerus (the upper arm bone).
- Ulna (the larger forearm bone on the little finger side). The
end (or head) of the ulna is the "point" of your elbow.
- Radius (the smaller forearm bone on the thumb side). The end
of the radius is called the radial head. The radial head is
the part of the elbow joint.
A fracture is a break in a bone. A radial head fracture may be in
the elbow joint or just outside the elbow joint. The break may be:
- straight (also called nondisplaced or type 1)
- crooked (called displaced or type 2)
- broken in many pieces (comminuted or type 3)
How does it occur?
A radial head fracture usually occurs from a fall on an
outstretched arm. It can also occur from a direct blow to the
elbow.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include:
- pain on the thumb side of the elbow
- swelling
- trouble bending or straightening the elbow
- trouble rotating your forearm (turning your palm up and down)
How is it diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will examine your elbow to check where it
is tender. You will have an X-ray taken. Sometimes a small break
in the radius does not show up on the first X-ray.
How is it treated?
A type 1 (straight) radial head fracture may be treated with a
sling or a splint for a few days until there is no pain. You can
then begin doing the rehabilitation exercises given to you by your
provider.
If you have a large type 1 fracture or a type 2 or 3 fracture, you
will have to keep your arm from moving for a longer time. You may
need to have your arm in a cast, splint, or sling. Sometimes
surgery is needed.
In some cases, even after the fracture heals, your elbow may feel
stiff and you may not be able to fully straighten your elbow.
Exercises will help you gain back as much range of motion and
strength as possible. Your provider will tell you when you can
begin elbow exercises.
How long will the effects last?
A radial head fracture usually heals in 3 to 6 weeks.
When can I return to my normal activities?
Everyone recovers from an injury at a different rate. Return to
your activities will be determined by how soon your elbow
recovers, not by how many days or weeks it has been since your
injury has occurred. The goal of rehabilitation is to return you
to your normal activities as soon as is safely possible. If you
return too soon you may worsen your injury.
You may return to your activities when your elbow has full range
of motion without pain and has the same strength as the uninjured
side.
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to
change as new health information becomes available. The
information is intended to inform and educate and is not a
replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or
treatment by a healthcare professional.
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