Radial head fracture
| Radial head fracture | |
|---|---|
| Radial head fracture (red arrow) with posterior and anterior sail sign (blue arrows) | |
| Specialty | Orthopedics |
| Symptoms | Pain or tenderness over the radial head; bruising; swelling; limited range of motion. |
| Causes | Fall on an outstretched arm |
| Diagnostic method | Based on of clinical symptoms and medical imaging |
| Treatment | Varies according to severity of injury but may include: immobilization followed by range of motion exercises; joint aspiration with mobilization; surgical correction |
Radial head fractures are a common type of elbow fracture that typically occurs after a fall on an outstretched arm. They account for approximately one third of all elbow fractures and are frequently associated with other injuries of the elbow. Radial head fractures are diagnosed by a clinical assessment and medical imaging. A radial head fracture is treated according to the severity of the injury and its Mason-Johnston classification. Treatment may be surgical or nonsurgical. Stable isolated fractures typically have excellent outcomes. Unstable fractures with other associated injuries have varying outcomes. Common adverse outcomes include stiffness, pain, poor bone healing, and hardware complications.