Radial Head Fracture: Expert Treatment and Rehabilitation at Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health

What is a Radial Head Fracture?

The radial head is the top part of the radius bone in the forearm, which connects to the elbow joint. When this area breaks, it can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the elbow or wrist. Radial head fractures are most commonly caused by falls onto an outstretched hand, direct trauma to the elbow, or motor vehicle accidents. Depending on the severity, radial head fractures can be classified into three types:

Types of Radial Head Fractures

1. Type I:

   • Non-displaced fracture: The bone cracks but remains in place, and no surgery is typically required.

2. Type II:

   • Displaced fracture: The bone fragments move out of alignment, often requiring surgical intervention to realign the bones.

3. Type III:

   • Comminuted fracture: The bone is shattered into multiple pieces, requiring surgery to reconstruct or replace the radial head.

Symptoms of Radial Head Fracture

• Pain in the Elbow: Pain around the elbow joint, which may worsen with movement or pressure.

• Swelling and Bruising: Noticeable swelling around the elbow, possibly extending down the forearm, and bruising in the area.

• Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty bending or straightening the elbow, and limited mobility in the forearm.

• Tenderness: Sensitivity when touching the elbow or forearm.

• Deformity: In some cases, a noticeable deformity or irregularity around the elbow may appear, especially in more severe fractures.

Causes and Risk Factors

Common Causes

• Falls: Falling onto an outstretched arm, especially with the elbow extended, is the most common cause of radial head fractures.

• Direct Impact: A blow to the elbow or forearm from sports injuries, accidents, or trauma.

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: A direct impact or twisting force can cause a radial head fracture.

Risk Factors

• Age: Radial head fractures are more common in younger individuals who participate in high-contact sports, as well as older adults who are more prone to falls.

• Occupation: Jobs that involve physical labor or manual handling may increase the risk of elbow injury.

• Previous Injury: Having a history of elbow injuries can make the joint more vulnerable to fractures.

Diagnosis of Radial Head Fracture

A radial head fracture can often be diagnosed through a clinical examination and imaging. At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we conduct a thorough assessment to determine the severity of the injury.

1. Clinical Examination:

   • The physiotherapist will assess the elbow for swelling, tenderness, and deformity. Range of motion and strength tests will help determine the extent of the injury.

2. Imaging:

   • X-rays: The primary imaging tool to confirm the presence and type of fracture.

   • CT Scan: In complex cases (e.g., Type III fractures), a CT scan may be used to provide detailed images of the fracture and assess bone alignment.

Treatment Options for Radial Head Fracture

Conservative Management (Non-Surgical Treatment)

For Type I fractures or less severe fractures, conservative management may be sufficient:

• Rest and Ice: Ice packs to reduce swelling, followed by rest to avoid straining the elbow.

• Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain medications, such as NSAIDs, can help manage pain and inflammation.

• Bracing or Splinting: In some cases, the elbow may be immobilized to protect the injury and promote healing.

• Physiotherapy:

  • Range of Motion Exercises: Gentle stretches and exercises to restore flexibility and reduce stiffness.

  • Strengthening Exercises: Gradual strengthening of the muscles around the elbow joint to support recovery.

Surgical Treatment

For Type II and Type III fractures, surgery is often necessary:

1. Surgical Repair:

   • Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): A surgical procedure in which the bone fragments are repositioned and fixed with plates and screws.

2. Radial Head Replacement:

   • In cases where the fracture is too complex to repair, the radial head may be replaced with a prosthetic implant.

Rehabilitation at Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health

Rehabilitation is critical to restore full function after a radial head fracture. At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we provide tailored rehabilitation programs to promote healing and strength:

• Post-Surgery Rehabilitation:

  • Early Mobilization: Controlled movement and gentle exercises to prevent stiffness and improve flexibility.

  • Strengthening: Gradual progression of strength training to restore elbow function, focusing on the muscles surrounding the joint.

  • Scar Tissue Management: Manual therapy to reduce scar tissue formation and improve mobility.

• Functional Rehabilitation:

  • Sport-Specific Training: For athletes or active individuals, we offer rehabilitation geared toward returning to sport or work tasks.

  • Pain Management: Techniques like dry needling, massage, and ultrasound to reduce pain and discomfort.

Preventing Radial Head Fractures

While some accidents are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of injury:

• Strengthen the Forearm and Elbow: Regularly perform exercises to improve muscle strength and joint stability.

• Warm-Up Before Physical Activity: Prepare your muscles and joints before engaging in physical activity, especially sports.

• Fall Prevention: Practice proper balance and body mechanics to reduce the risk of falls. Consider using protective gear in high-risk sports.

Why Choose Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health?

At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we understand the impact of a radial head fracture on your daily life. Our team of expert physiotherapists will work closely with you to design a personalized treatment and rehabilitation plan. Whether you are recovering from a non-displaced fracture or have undergone surgery, we are committed to supporting you through your recovery journey.

Australian Resources for Radial Head Fractures

• Healthdirect Australia – Elbow Injuries
  https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/elbow-fractures

• Better Health Channel – Elbow Fractures
  https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/elbow-fractures

• The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners – Fractures of the Elbow
  https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines

Contact Us Today

If you've experienced a radial head fracture or are dealing with elbow pain, Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health is here to help. Our experienced team provides comprehensive care to support your recovery. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our Malaga or Noranda clinics.