Radial Head Fracture – Symptoms & Treatment
Conditions of the Elbow
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
- Golfers elbow (medial epicondylitis)
- Elbow/Olecranon bursitis
- Cubital tunnel syndrome
- Biceps tendonitis
- Elbow contusion/bruise
- Humerus fracture
- Radial head fracture
- Olecranon fracture
- Pronator teres syndrome
- Median nerve injury
- Radial tunnel syndrome
- Forearm splints
Treatments
- Splint
- Surgery
Radial Head Fracture
Radial head fractures are common injuries, occurring in about 20% of all acute elbow injuries. Many elbow dislocations also involve fractures of the radial head.
Radial head fractures are more frequent in women than in men, and are more likely to happen in people who are between 30 and 40 years of age.
Normally diagnose with X-ray.
Common symptoms of radial head fracture
- Pain on the outside of the elbow
- Swelling in the elbow joint
- Difficulty in bending or straightening the elbow accompanied by pain
- Inability or difficulty in turning the forearm
Treatment depends on the presence and amount of displacement. A grade 1 injury with no displacement may place you in a splint followed by rehabilitation exercises.
When displacement is present, surgery may be required. If the fragment is one large piece, this involves fixing it back to the bone with pins or wires. When the fragment is broken into several smaller pieces, the op may require to remove them altogether.
If you suspect you may have a radial head fracture, it is advised to seek immediate medical treatment from Dr Siow.
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Our doctor provide consultation, treatment and surgery for sports injuries of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee and ankle.
Facilities
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- Wheelchair accessible
- X-Ray, CT/MRI scan available
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