Radial head fracture

Radial head fracture
Radial head fracture (red arrow) with posterior and anterior sail sign (blue arrows)
SpecialtyOrthopedic
SymptomsPain or tenderness over the radial head; bruising; swelling; limited range of motion.
CausesFall on an outstretched arm
Diagnostic methodBased on of clinical symptoms and medical imaging
TreatmentVaries 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.[1] They account for approximately one third of all elbow fractures and are frequently associated with other injuries of the elbow.[2][3] Radial head fractures are diagnosed by a clinical assessment and medical imaging.[2][4] 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.[5] Unstable fractures with other associated injuries have varying outcomes. Common adverse outcomes include stiffness, pain, poor bone healing, and hardware complications.[6]

  1. ^ Daniel K Nishijima. "Elbow Fracture". Retrieved 9 December 2014.
  2. ^ a b Bennett, James B. (September 1993). "Radial head fractures: Diagnosis and management". Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2 (5): 264–273. doi:10.1016/S1058-2746(09)80088-8. PMID 22959508.
  3. ^ Kaas, Laurens; van Riet, Roger P.; Vroemen, Jos P.A.M.; Eygendaal, Denise (June 2010). "The epidemiology of radial head fractures". Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 19 (4): 520–523. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2009.10.015. PMID 20149972.
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