What is a radial head fracture?

The radial fracture of the head is a fracture that occurs in the radial head, the radius area, the bone in the forearm that is part of the elbow. This fracture is also known as the elbow fracture, although in fact the elbow fractures may include several different bones, not necessarily a radius, because the radial head fracture is the most common type of elbow. The possibilities of treatment of this type of fracture vary depending on how serious it is. The impact of the fall travels on the arm to the elbow and breaks the radial head. Fractures of other bones in the elbow may occur simultaneously and can also be dislocated elbow joint. Patients usually notice when they have this type of fracture because their elbows feel hot, swollen and extremely painful and their range of movement can be significantly limited.

head radial fractures are classified as type I, type, type or type III. Type I fractures are the least serious and can be treated with simple splints or cast. Type II fractures are somewhat more complex, usually require surgery to pin the bone for healing, and type III fractures include such a serious break that several bone pieces are formed during the break and may be necessary to remove the radial head and replace it with graft or artificial joint.

The main problem of radial head fracture is that it may be difficult to identify on the X -ray. The patient may be X -ray and show no signs and have minimal treatment, just to return in a few weeks, complained about the continuing pain. Later X -ray usually shows greater elbow damage caused by nonniion broken bone or healing at poor angle. For this reason, doctors try to be very careful with the diagnosis of elbow injuries and devote time to determining whether or not to fracture.

These fractures are more likely to be seen in women than in men and tend to be most common in people aged 30 to 40 years. In someone in anyHowever, age may result in a radial fracture of the head, and, as with other types of fractures, the earlier the patient gets treatment, the better the result. For this reason, people who suspect that they may have a fracture of elbows should certainly look for attention from a doctor who can explore the joint for signs of fracture and provide adequate treatment.