What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Fracture of the Radical Head

What is Radial Head Fracture? (Definition/Background Information)

• The forearm (between the wrist and elbow) consists of two bones - radius and ulna; the radius is the larger of the two bones
• Radial Head Fracture is a common elbow injury that involves the end part of the radius, referred to as radial head, which helps to form the elbow joint. The injury occurs when the radius breaks or fractures, near the elbow
• This injury is usually caused by high-energy impacts resulting from an athletic sport, a motor vehicle accident, or a fall from a substantial height

Who gets Radial Head Fracture? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Radial Head Fractures are non-specific fractures, and as such, may occur in individuals of any age, race, ethnic group, and gender
• Middle-aged individuals between the ages 30 and 40 years, are a high-risk group
• Women are more likely to experience a Radial Head Fracture, than men

What are the Risk Factors of Radial Head Fracture? (Predisposing Factors)

Common risk factors associated with a Radial Head Fracture include:

• Participation in high-risk contact sports, such as football
• Degenerative bone disease (osteoporosis)

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Radial Head Fracture? (Etiology)

Radical Head Fractures are common elbow injuries accounting for approximately, 20% of all elbow fractures. Causes of a Radial Head Fracture include:

• Falling from a significant height; especially landing on one’s elbow (or the fracture occurring since the individual is overweight)
• Direct trauma to the elbow due to an automobile accident
• Taking part in any rough or high-impact sport
• Sometimes, a fracture of the radial head may also occur when the humerus (upper arm bone) and ulna are realigned during a surgery

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Radial Head Fracture?

Signs and symptoms of a Radial Head Fracture include:

• Severe pain at the tip of the elbow
• Noticeable bruising, swelling  at the elbow
• Stiffness or inability to move/extend the arm, wrist, or elbow
• Tenderness to touch

How is Radial Head Fracture Diagnosed?

Diagnostic methods that a physician may use to help diagnose a Radial Head Fracture include:

• Physical examination: A thorough physical examination is important in identifying any noticeable deformities, swelling, contusions within the elbow. Individuals are also expected to provide an explanation of the circumstances that caused the injury. In addition to this, a complete medical history can aid in arriving at a definitive diagnosis
• X-ray: X-rays are the most common method in evaluating a fracture, if the bone has been displaced. This diagnostic test helps provide a clear image of the bone, identify the exact location of the injury, and determine the extent of the fracture

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Radial Head Fracture?

Complications associated with a Radial Head Fracture include:

• The immobilization required to heal Radial Head Fractures may occasionally result in painful shoulder inflammation, stiffness, and reduced range of motion (frozen shoulder)
• Permanent damage to nerves and blood vessels may seriously impair functions
• Permanent disability, or abnormal deformity of the elbow
• Abnormal pressure build-up within the muscles of the arm/elbow that reduces blood flow, preventing oxygen and nourishment from reaching the nerve and muscle cells (termed as compartment syndrome)
• Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome: A disorder associated with the sympathetic nervous system (a part of the autonomic nervous system)

How is Radial Head Fracture Treated?

A high percentage of Radial Head Fractures require surgery. However, this injury may also be treated non-surgically. The nonsurgical treatment methods include:

• Applying ice to the elbow/arm can help reduce pain and swelling
• Complete immobilization of the elbow with a cast, may be required to restrict movement
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory oral medications, such as indomethacin and naproxen, may be used to treat a Radial Head Fracture. These medications can help decrease the pain and swelling
• Individuals are likely to need physical therapy exercises after the cast is removed. The goals of these exercises are to strengthen the elbow/arm muscles, improve flexibility, and decrease stiffness. It may take several months for an individual to complete the physical therapy program and regain full strength and functionality

Surgical treatment methods include:

• Closed reduction: Closed reduction is a surgical method that involves realigning the scaphoid bone back to its original position, without making an incision at the fracture site. This procedure is usually performed under a general anesthesia, or with conscious sedation using muscle relaxants
• Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF): Open reduction is a surgical procedure to realign the fractured bone, to its original position. Surgical hardware (such as plates, screws, or rods) is then used to stabilize the fractured bone under the skin

How can Radial Head Fracture be Prevented?

To prevent a Radial Head Fracture, individuals should be careful and consciously aware, while performing any physical activities, such as sports, or even some normal daily activities that could lead to situations involving accidents. Children must be provided a safe environment to work, study, or play. Any possible dangers should also be anticipated and appropriate safety measures adopted.

A few ways to further help prevent unwanted injuries or a Radial Head Fracture include:

• Individuals who participate in any high-risk sports, should wear appropriate safety equipment to help prevent the possibility of such fractures
• Consuming foods rich in calcium, such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, help build bone strength. Regular diet with appropriate calcium-intake is recommended, even after a Radial Head Fracture. For women, the recommended amount of calcium, increases with age and menopause
• Perform weight-bearing exercises to strengthen bones

What is the Prognosis of Radial Head Fracture? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• A high percentage of Radial Head Fracture heal without any serious complications
• A full recovery and a return to sports or normal daily activities usually require 4-12 weeks, depending on the severity of the fracture
• When properly treated and rehabilitated, usually under the guidance of a physiotherapist/specialist, a high percentage of individuals regain their full strength and range of motion in the injured elbow

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Radial Head Fracture:

Radial Head Fractures account for approximately one-fifth of all injuries to the elbow.