A radial head fracture is a break in the knobby end of the radius- the smaller of the two bones of the forearm- where it meets the elbow
Symptoms
- Pain
- Swelling near the elbow on the outside
- Difficulty bending or straightening the elbow
- Difficulty turning the forearm palm up or palm down
Cause
- Direct blow to elbow
- Falling on an outstretched hand
Risk factors
- More common in women than men
- Most common age is between 30 and 40
- Many elbow dislocations also involve a radial head fracture
Prevention
- Avoid sports and activities where there is a high risk of falling
Diagnosis
- Physician exam
- X-rays of elbow
Treatment
- Open reduction internal fixation
- Non-surgical treatment of radial head fracture
