Helpful tips

Why does my wrist hurt with a radial head fracture?

Why does my wrist hurt with a radial head fracture?

With this, the supporting interosseous ligament can also be damaged. Pain will often be felt in the forearm and elbow. In some circumstances, damage to the distal radioulnar joint can occur, resulting in wrist discomfort.

What is the classification of radial head fractures?

Radial Head Fractures

Mason Classification (Modified by Hotchkiss and Broberg-Morrey)
Type I Nondisplaced or minimally displaced (<2mm), no mechanical block to rotation
Type II Displaced >2mm or angulated, possible mechanical block to forearm rotation
Type III Comminuted and displaced, mechanical block to motion

Do radial head fractures require surgery?

In most Type III radial head fractures, there is also significant damage to the elbow joint and the ligaments that surround the elbow. Surgery is always required to either fix or remove the broken pieces of bone and repair the soft-tissue damage. If the damage is severe, the entire radial head may need to be removed.

How painful is a radial head fracture?

The radial head is tender, and pain is worse during supination. Take anteroposterior, lateral, and oblique x-rays, but because x-rays may show only indirect evidence of fracture, physical examination is very important in diagnosis.

Can I drive with a radial head fracture?

Day-to-day Initially your arm will be swollen and painful limiting your activities. Slowly increase what you do each day as the pain and swelling improve. You can only return to drive once you feel confident in your ability to perform an emergency stop and contact your insurance provider for advice.

Is a radial head fracture a break?

The radial head is at the top of the radius bone, just below your elbow. A fracture is a break in your bone. The most common cause of a radial head fracture is falling with an outstretched arm.