![]() ![]() Larger fragments can be re-attached with pins, plates and/or screwsĭisplaced or open fracture: where the bone fragments are out of place (displaced) or if the joint and ligaments are damaged, you may need surgery to repair broken bone and any tissue damage, followed by gentle exercises It may be possible to treat this type of fracture with a splint, followed by gentle exercise and small fragments of bone can be removed using arthroscopy. Unstable fracture: sometimes fractures may be slightly displaced. This type of fracture can usually be treated without surgery by having your arm in a splint for a few days, followed by gentle exercises Non-displaced fracture: this means that there is a crack in the bone, which can be seen on an X-ray, although the bones stay in their usual position. You will be offered immediate surgery if the elbow is dislocated or where nerves or blood vessels are involved Diagnosisįollowing a medical examination, the diagnosis is usually backed up by an X-ray which will show the extent of the damage. Pain (on the outside of the elbow), swelling, limited movement, bruising and tenderness. This type of fracture is usually caused when you put out your hand to break a fall, landing on the arm when it is straight with the elbow locked. Radial head fractures account for around 20 per cent of elbow injuries and about 10 per cent of elbow dislocations. These timelines are usually the same for surgical fixation, however if there are indications that the bone is not healing normally, then return to normal physical activity will be delayed.The radial bone connects the elbow to the wrist, with the radial head being just below the elbow. It is sensible to wait until the bone has reached maximum strength before resuming very heavy manual activities such as digging, control and restraint at work and high impact contact sports such as rugby or martial arts. The bone will heal to reasonable strength within six weeks after which patients should be able to undertake all light manual activities without risk (lifting and carrying less than around 5-10kg). The pain and swelling may make it difficult for the first couple of weeks, but they won’t be harmed by light administrative activity including using a keyboard and mouse. ![]() Patients can return to work as soon as practicably possible. Patients may use a sling for the first week or so. The elbow is likely to be painful and swollen initially, and this can be managed with ice wrapped in a damp towel for around fifteen minutes three or four times a day, and for the first few days it may help to keep the elbow raised on a pillow when resting to minimise swelling. It is important to keep the arm moving and there is no need to splint the arm while it heals. In some cases the blood supply to the radial head may be disrupted and may fail to heal. If the radial head is displaced, it may need surgical repair. As it naturally rotates, it is important to keep it moving to avoid scar tissue developing that stiffens the joint. If the radial head is fractured and remained undisplaced it usually heals without any problems provided care is taken to avoid any additional trauma to it while it heals. This is small, and this end rotates against the elbow joint when the wrist is rotated. The radius is one of the bones of the forearm. ![]()
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