![]() In children, many fractures can be treated with a cast, but some more severe fractures may need surgery, which involves repairing the fracture with temporary wires followed by casting. The growing areas of the elbow bones (growth plates) in a child are softer and can break with minor falls on a playground or off a trampoline. Special considerations should be made for fractures in children and the elderly. These injuries are very complex and typically require multiple plates to stabilize the broken bones. ![]() Distal humerus fractures often involve the joint and will require surgery, which involves repairing the fracture with plates and screws. This bone contains the entire joint surface of the elbow. These fractures involve the portion of the humerus closest to the elbow joint. Complex fractures may also involve ligament injuries that need to be surgically repaired. Some more complicated fractures may require replacing the radial head with a metal implant if there are too many bony pieces. Complex fractures often require surgery with screws or a plate. Simple fractures can be treated with a brief period of immobilization with a splint or sling followed by moving the elbow to pain tolerance. The treatment for this fracture depends on the number and size of the bone fragments. The pain associated with these fractures is present on the outside (lateral) portion of the elbow and usually worse with forearm rotation. ![]() The radial head and neck, which are closest to the elbow, are important for rotation of the forearm (twisting from palm up to palm down). Radial head and neck fractures (see Figure 2) The main types of fractures are included below. In some severe cases, multiple bones may be broken at the same time. The location of the fractured bone is important to identify as this will determine the proper treatment and rehabilitation. The humerus starts at the shoulder, and the end (distal) part of it is in the elbow. The ulna also spans from the elbow to the wrist, but the head is in the wrist, and the cup-shaped part in the elbow is called the olecranon. The radius spans the length of the forearm from the wrist to the elbow, and the head and neck of the radius bone are inside the elbow joint. An artificial radius head may be placed to improve the function of the elbow.There are three main bones in the elbow (see Figure 1): the humerus, the radius, and the ulna. Surgery is considered the compulsory treatment to either fix or to remove the broken pieces of bone, sometimes including the radial head. Type 3 fractures are characterized by multiple broken pieces of bone.Small pieces of bone may be removed if it prevents normal movement of the elbow. During surgery, your doctor will correct the soft-tissue injuries and insert screws and plates to hold the displaced bone together firmly. Type 2 fractures are characterized by displacement of bones and breaking of bones in large pieces and can be treated by surgery.If the crack becomes intense or the fracture gets deep, then your doctor might suggest surgical treatment. The doctor might use a splint (casting) to fix the bone and you might have to wear a sling for a few days. The bone appears cracked, but remains fitted together. Type 1 fractures are usually very small.The Treatment of a fracture depends on the type of fracture. What are the Treatment Options for Radial Head Fractures? Sometimes, your doctor might suggest a CT scan to obtain further details of the fracture, especially the joint surfaces. Your doctor might recommend an X-ray to confirm the fracture and assess displacement of the bone. The symptoms of a radial head fracture include severe pain, swelling in the elbow, difficulty in moving the arm, visible deformity indicating dislocation, bruising and stiffness. Radial head fractures can also occur due to a direct impact on the elbow, a twisting injury, sprain, dislocation or strain. The most common cause of a radius head fracture is breaking a fall with an outstretched arm. What are the Causes of Radial Head Fractures Radial head fractures are more common in women than in men and occur more frequently in the age group of 30 and 40 years. Elbow dislocations are generally associated with radial head fractures. Radial head fractures are very common and occur in almost 20% of acute elbow injuries. The injury in the head of the radius causes impairment in the function of the elbow. The head of the radius bone is cup-shaped and corresponds to the spherical surface of the humerus. The elbow joint is essential for the movement of your arms and to perform daily activities. The elbow joint is made up of 3 bones namely the humerus bone in the upper arm which joins with the radius and ulna bones in the forearm. The elbow is a junction between the forearm and the upper arm. What are Radial Head Fractures of the Elbow?
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