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Radial head fracture
From WikEM
Contents
Background
- Most common fractures of the elbow, approximately 20% of elbow fractures
- Caused by FOOSH in pronation leading to radial head being driven into the capitellum
Associated injuries (are common)
- Capitellum fracture
- Olecranon fracture
- Coronoid fracture
- MCL injury
- Elbow dislocation
- DRUJ (distal radial ulnar joint) injury
- Interosseous membrane disruption
- Terrible triad (radial head fracture, capitellar fracture, elbow dislocation)
Clinical Features
- Pain in the lateral elbow, especially with pronation/supination of forearm
- Swelling laterally and tenderness of radial head
Differential Diagnosis
Elbow Diagnoses
Radiograph-Positive
- Radial head fracture
- Capitellum fracture
- Olecranon fracture
- Elbow dislocation
Radiograph-Negative
- Lateral epicondylitis
- Medial epicondylitis
- Olecranon bursitis (nonseptic)
- Septic bursitis
- Biceps tendon rupture/dislocation
Pediatric
- Nursemaid's elbow
- Supracondylar fracture
- Lateral epicondyle fracture
- Medial epicondyle fracture
- Olecranon fracture
- Radial head fracture
- Salter-Harris fractures
Evaluation
Elbow X-ray
Fractures are often subtle
- Look for abnormal fat pad
- Look for radiocapitellar line disruption
- Greenspan View X-Ray
- If possible, lateral elbow is shot at 45 degrees to pick up subtle fractures
Management
- Sling immobilization in flexion, ice, elevation
- Nondisplaced fracture with no mobility restrictions: ortho follow up within 1wk
- Displaced fracture or mobility restrictions: ortho follow up within 24hr
Disposition
- Normally outpatient
