Radial head fracture

Revision as of 20:05, 1 March 2015 by User238345 (talk | contribs)

Background

  • Most common fractures of the elbow
  • Caused by FOOSH leading to radial head being driven into the capitellum
  • Associated injuries are common:
    • Capitellum, olecranon, and coronoid fx, MCL injury, dislocation

Clinical Features

  • Pain in the lateral elbow, esp w/ pronation/supination of forearm
  • Swelling laterally and tenderness of radial head

Differential Diagnosis

Elbow Diagnoses

Radiograph-Positive

Radiograph-Negative

Pediatric

Diagnosis

  • Imaging
    • Fractures are often subtle
      • Look for abnormal fat pad
      • Look for radiocapitellar line disruption

Management

  • Sling immobilization in flexion, ice, elevation
  • Nondisplaced fx w/ no mobility restrictions: ortho f/u within 1wk
  • Displaced fx or mobility restrictions: ortho f/u within 24hr

See Also