Radial Head Elbow Fracture With Rehab
A radial head fracture is a break in the smaller bone in your forearm (radius). There are two bones in your forearm. The radial bone is the bone on the side of your thumb. The fracture is located at the head of the bone, which is at the elbow joint. This usually happens because of an injury, such as a fall on an outstretched arm.
There are different types of radial head fracture. They are determined by the amount of movement (displacement) of bones from their normal positions:
• Type 1. This is a small fracture in which the bone pieces remain together (nondisplaced fracture).
• Type 2. The fracture is moderate and bone pieces are slightly displaced.
• Type 3. There may be multiple fractures …show more content…
You may have X-rays to confirm the type of fracture.
TREATMENT
Treatment for this condition includes resting, icing, and raising (elevating) the injured area above the level of your heart. You may be given medicines to help relieve pain. Treatment varies depending on the type of fracture you have. If you have a type 1 fracture, you may be given a splint or sling to keep your arm and elbow from moving (immobilization) for up to 5 days.
If you have a type 2 fracture, treatment varies depending on how much displacement there is. You may be given a splint or sling to keep your arm and elbow from moving (immobilization) for up to 5 days. If the displacement is more severe, you may need surgery. Surgery may include:
• Removing bone pieces.
• Putting pins or screws into the head of the radius to hold it in place so it heals correctly.
• Removing the entire radial head. The elbow will still be able to function …show more content…
The entire radial head may need to be removed if the damage is severe.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
If You Have a Splint or Sling:
• Wear it as told by your health care provider. Remove it only as told by your health care provider.
• Loosen the splint if your fingers become numb and tingle, or if they turn cold and blue.
• Keep the splint clean and dry.
Bathing
• Do not take baths, swim, or use a hot tub until your health care provider approves. Ask your health care provider if you can take showers. You may only be allowed to take sponge baths for bathing.
• If your health care provider approves bathing and showering, you may need to cover the cast or splint with a plastic bag to protect it from water.
Managing Pain, Stiffness, and Swelling
• If directed, apply ice to the injured area.
○ Put ice in a plastic bag.
○ Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
○ Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times per day.
• Move your fingers often to avoid stiffness and to lessen swelling.
• Elevate the injured area above the level of your heart while you are sitting or lying
A radial head fracture is a break in the smaller bone in your forearm (radius). There are two bones in your forearm. The radial bone is the bone on the side of your thumb. The fracture is located at the head of the bone, which is at the elbow joint. This usually happens because of an injury, such as a fall on an outstretched arm.
There are different types of radial head fracture. They are determined by the amount of movement (displacement) of bones from their normal positions:
• Type 1. This is a small fracture in which the bone pieces remain together (nondisplaced fracture).
• Type 2. The fracture is moderate and bone pieces are slightly displaced.
• Type 3. There may be multiple fractures …show more content…
You may have X-rays to confirm the type of fracture.
TREATMENT
Treatment for this condition includes resting, icing, and raising (elevating) the injured area above the level of your heart. You may be given medicines to help relieve pain. Treatment varies depending on the type of fracture you have. If you have a type 1 fracture, you may be given a splint or sling to keep your arm and elbow from moving (immobilization) for up to 5 days.
If you have a type 2 fracture, treatment varies depending on how much displacement there is. You may be given a splint or sling to keep your arm and elbow from moving (immobilization) for up to 5 days. If the displacement is more severe, you may need surgery. Surgery may include:
• Removing bone pieces.
• Putting pins or screws into the head of the radius to hold it in place so it heals correctly.
• Removing the entire radial head. The elbow will still be able to function …show more content…
The entire radial head may need to be removed if the damage is severe.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
If You Have a Splint or Sling:
• Wear it as told by your health care provider. Remove it only as told by your health care provider.
• Loosen the splint if your fingers become numb and tingle, or if they turn cold and blue.
• Keep the splint clean and dry.
Bathing
• Do not take baths, swim, or use a hot tub until your health care provider approves. Ask your health care provider if you can take showers. You may only be allowed to take sponge baths for bathing.
• If your health care provider approves bathing and showering, you may need to cover the cast or splint with a plastic bag to protect it from water.
Managing Pain, Stiffness, and Swelling
• If directed, apply ice to the injured area.
○ Put ice in a plastic bag.
○ Place a towel between your skin and the bag.
○ Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times per day.
• Move your fingers often to avoid stiffness and to lessen swelling.
• Elevate the injured area above the level of your heart while you are sitting or lying