Other collateral ligaments, the annular ligament and the joint capsule may be injured.The most common injury is to the lateral collateral ligament, which supports the joint capsule of the elbow. Injuries associated with a radial head fractureĪbout every third of the patients with a radial head fracture will also have injuries to the ligaments or bone structure. In addition, hand function may be impaired. If the radial nerve is injured, paraesthesia will appear in the hand. While nerve damage is rare, even in serious injuries. Likewise, the fall can also damage the other two bones in the joint (humerus and ulna). If the fractured radial head is displaced (dislocation), joint mobility can even be completely blocked. The fracture often causes blood to seep into the joint, which further limits mobility in the elbow. If the fracture is accompanied by swelling with bruising around the elbow, this can be a sign of capsule or ligament injuries. Turning the forearm inward and outward as well as extending and bending the elbow is very painful. Pressing on the respective radial head causes severe local pain. Turning the forearm inward and outward is painful and limited, and the individual is often unable to fully bend and straighten the joint. Typical symptoms of a radial head fracture are pain and swelling on the outside of the elbow. Painful, limited movement in the elbow joint, particularly when turning and extending the forearm.Redness, swelling and bruising of the elbow.Pain on the outside of the elbow radiating to the hand.Pressure pain in the respective radial head.What are the symptoms of a radial head fracture? Particularly individuals involved in sports experience a radial head fracture. The fracture is seen in all age groups, however the average age is about 40 years. The straighter the elbow joint is during the fall, the more likely a radial head fracture. The fracture is caused by indirect forces in this case. In the process, the radial head collides with the solid end of the humerus and breaks. This causes sudden, massive forces through the hand and the extended arm onto the elbow joint. The forearm is turned inward in the process. The most common accident mechanism of a radial head fracture is falling onto the straightened or slightly bent arm when the person tries to brace themselves with their hand during a fall. Causes of the radial head fracture: Why does the radial head break? Typical accident with radial head fracture: Falling onto the hand with the arm straight or slightly bent. The elbow specialist at Gelenk-Klinik will gladly see you and would be happy to help you. A stiff elbow, early joint wear (arthrosis of the elbow) or even osteonecrosis (radial head necrosis) are possible consequences.Ī radial head fracture should therefore always be treated by an elbow specialist to prevent grave secondary failures. Poorly healed fractures can result in permanent restriction of movement and instabilities in the elbow. Treatment must account for the type of fracture and the concomitant ligament injury to avoid complications and late complications due to poor healing. Poorly healed radial head fractures: Risk of chronic pain The radial head rotating around its longitudinal axis allows us to turn the forearm inward and outward. The radial head is an important part of the elbow joint. In addition, elbow movement is often limited. Typical symptoms of a radial head fracture are elbow pain and swelling on the outside. This in turn significantly impacts aftercare and healing. In the case of complex fractures, the orthopaedist can expect capsule or ligament injuries. The radial head fracture is seldom caused by falling onto or hitting the elbow directly. The fracture is caused by falling onto the hand with the arm straight or slightly bent. This injury is the most common elbow joint fracture in adults. © Gelenk-KlinikĪ radial head fracture is a fracture in the section of the radius near the elbow. The three bones are surrounded by a common joint capsule. The complex elbow joint is made up of three bones: The humerus is connected to the ulna and radial head of the forearm. Treatment: How does the elbow specialist treat a radial head fracture?.What are possible late complications of a radial head fracture?.What are the symptoms of a radial head fracture?.Causes: Why does the radial head break?.
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