ARTHROSCOPY & SPORTS INJURY ASSOCIATES
OVERVIEW
What is Radial Head Replacement?
Radial head replacement is a surgical technique that replaces a severely injured or irreparable radial head with a specially designed prosthesis.
The radial head is the upper end of the radius bone located on the outside of the elbow. This bone plays a critical role in stabilizing the elbow joint, enabling its rotation, and transmitting loads through the arm.
In case of a complicated fracture that cannot be successfully repaired, radial head replacement is performed to restore elbow joint stability and functionality and eliminate pain.
Here are the key aspects to consider about Radial Head Replacement:
- Replaces a severely injured radial head with a prosthesis
- Enables restoring joint stability and movement
- Is usually recommended for a complicated fracture
Radial head replacement is a surgical technique that replaces a severely injured or irreparable radial head with a specially designed prosthesis.
The radial head is the upper end of the radius bone located on the outside of the elbow. This bone plays a critical role in stabilizing the elbow joint, enabling its rotation, and transmitting loads through the arm.
In case of a complicated fracture that cannot be successfully repaired, radial head replacement is performed to restore elbow joint stability and functionality and eliminate pain.
Here are the key aspects to consider about Radial Head Replacement:
- Replaces a severely injured radial head with a prosthesis
- Enables restoring joint stability and movement
- Is usually recommended for a complicated fracture
Surgeons Available for Consultations
Dr. Karnav Panchal
M.B.B.S, M.S. (Orthopedics),
FAOS (South Korea)
Consultant Arthroscopist & Sports Injury Specialist Consultant Joint Replacement Surgeon
Dr. Aniket Gupta
M.B.B.S, M.S. (Orthopedics),
MRCS (Edinburgh)
Training & Qualifications Fellowship in MRCS (UK) Arthroscopy & Arthroplasty (Milan, Italy)
Consultant Physiotherapist
Dr. Aarsh Bhatt
B.P.T,M.P.T (Cardio-Respiratory Disorders) MIAP , HCPC (UK) , DHA (UAE)
Consultant Physiotherapist
Dr. Hetvi Dimothe
BPT , M.P.T (Rehabilitation) MIAP, HCPC (UK) , DHA (UAE)
Consultant Physiotherapist
CAUSES
What Are the Causes of a Radial Head Fracture?
A radial head fracture results from excessive load transmission to the elbow. Such a condition usually happens due to falling onto the outstretched hand or due to impact on the elbow joint. Depending on the degree of injury, the radial head fracture might include a single crack, fragmentation, or even displacement of the bone. Severe fractures may often be associated with ligamentous injuries and elbow joint instability.
CAUSES
What Are the Causes of a Radial Head Fracture?
A radial head fracture results from excessive load transmission to the elbow. Such a condition usually happens due to falling onto the outstretched hand or due to impact on the elbow joint. Depending on the degree of injury, the radial head fracture might include a single crack, fragmentation, or even displacement of the bone. Severe fractures may often be associated with ligamentous injuries and elbow joint instability.
Possible causes of Radial Head Fractures include:
- Falling onto the outstretched hand
- Impact to the elbow joint during the accident
- Injuries in sport activities related to high-energy traumas
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Dislocation of the elbow joint with fractures
What Other Structures Can Be Damaged Besides the Radial Head Fracture?
Severe radial head fractures may be accompanied by injury of other structures involved in stabilizing and moving the elbow joint.
Presence of associated injuries may complicate the treatment process and affect the choice of surgery method.
- Lateral collateral ligament complex
- Medial collateral ligament
- Joint cartilages
- Elbow joint capsule
- Coronoid process
- Muscles and tendons adjacent to the joint
SYMPTOMS
What Are the Symptoms of a Radial Head Fracture?
The symptomatology differs according to the severity of the fracture and presence of associated injuries. Besides the pain, complex fractures may be associated with elbow joint stiffness and problems with movements. The early diagnosis of a fracture is crucial to prevent possible complications and treat the condition appropriately.
Elbow Joint Pain
Usually localized on the outside part of the elbow. The pain often aggravates with movements and loading of the elbow.
Swelling on the Elbow Joint
Often appears soon after the injury and may impair elbow joint movement.
Forearm Rotation Difficulties
Patients may face pain and difficulties while turning the palm upward and downward.
The lack of appropriate treatment of radial head fracture may lead to chronic pain, elbow joint stiffness, instability of the joint, reduction of arm functionality, and development of post-traumatic arthritis.
Connect with our experts and get the right guidance for your condition.
Limited Mobility of the Joint
Elbow joint stiffness that limits full bending or stretching of the arm.
Bruising
Bruising around the elbow joint may appear after the injury due to blood accumulating in the tissues.
Elbow Joint Instability
Complex fractures associated with ligamentous injuries may cause the feeling of elbow joint instability.
Difficulty Performing Simple Activities
Activities, such as lifting or pushing of objects, turning door handles, etc. become painful and difficult.
Connect with our experts and get the right guidance for your condition.
BOOK CONSULTATIONDIAGNOSIS
How Are Radial Head Fractures Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of a radial head fracture involves review of the patient's symptoms and circumstances of injury, as well as the physical examination. During the physical examination, specialists evaluate pain, swelling, elbow joint stability, and forearm rotation. The diagnosis is confirmed by imaging studies. At ALIGN ASIA, the complete evaluation of the condition allows making an accurate diagnosis and developing an individual treatment plan.
DIAGNOSIS
How Are Radial Head Fractures Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of a radial head fracture involves review of the patient's symptoms and circumstances of injury, as well as the physical examination. During the physical examination, specialists evaluate pain, swelling, elbow joint stability, and forearm rotation. The diagnosis is confirmed by imaging studies. At ALIGN ASIA, the complete evaluation of the condition allows making an accurate diagnosis and developing an individual treatment plan.
Radial Head Fractures can be diagnosed in the following ways:
- Physical examination of the condition with evaluation of pain, swelling, elbow joint stability, range of motions and forearm rotation
- Imaging studies of the fracture and associated injuries
- X-rays
- CT scan
- MRI (for suspicion of ligaments and soft tissue injuries)
TREATMENT
How Are Radial Head Fractures Treated?
Depending on the severity of the fracture, the displacement of the bone, associated ligamentous injuries, elbow joint stability, and the patient's physical activity level, the treatment may include non-surgical methods or surgery.
Early treatment is necessary to alleviate pain and inflammation and facilitate recovery.
Pain Management
Aids in pain relief and reducing inflammation during the treatment period.
Immobilization
May involve wearing a splint or sling to protect the injured elbow joint.
Physiotherapy
Enables improving the mobility of the elbow joint, restoring strength and functioning of the arm.
Radial Head Replacement
Needed to restore joint stability and function in case of too complex injury.
CONSERVATIVE CARE
How Are Radial Head Fractures Treated without Surgery?
Radial head fracture can be successfully managed conservatively in case of simple or minimally displaced injuries. Non-surgical treatment is aimed at protection of the fracture and preservation of elbow joint movements.
CONSERVATIVE CARE
How Are Radial Head Fractures Treated without Surgery?
Radial head fracture can be successfully managed conservatively in case of simple or minimally displaced injuries. Non-surgical treatment is aimed at protection of the fracture and preservation of elbow joint movements.
A rehabilitation program is used to restore the functioning of the elbow joint through gradual improvement of the flexibility, mobility, and strengthening of the upper limb.
Nonsurgical treatment options may include:
- Temporary immobilization with a splint or sling to protect the joint during the healing.
- Medications to relieve the pain and inflammation during the recovery process.
- Physiotherapy to restore joint mobility, forearm rotation, and muscles strength.
- Progressive rehabilitation program to restore the flexibility, stability, and upper limb function.
Why Is Radial Head Replacement Necessary?
Despite the fact that many radial head fractures can be either treated without surgery or surgically repaired, in case of too complex injuries the specialists recommend performing radial head replacement. The surgery helps in restoring the elbow joint stability, joint structure and functioning in the long term.
Why Is Radial Head Replacement Necessary?
Despite the fact that many radial head fractures can be either treated without surgery or surgically repaired, in case of too complex injuries the specialists recommend performing radial head replacement. The surgery helps in restoring the elbow joint stability, joint structure and functioning in the long term.
Radial Head Replacement may be needed in the following cases:
- Severely comminuted fractures that are impossible to repair
- Fractures that accompany elbow joint dislocation or instability
- Radial head fractures with significant ligamentous injuries
- Complex injuries of the elbow joint with multiple damage
Proper and timely surgery will help in restoring elbow joint stability and forearm movements.
SURGICAL PROCEDURE
What Happens during Radial Head Replacement Surgery?
Radial Head Replacement is a surgical treatment technique which removes a severely injured radial head and replaces it with a special prosthesis in order to restore the elbow joint stability and functionality. The surgery aims to preserve the normal functioning of the joint and forearm rotation in particular. At ALIGN ASIA, every surgery is individualized taking into account the injury features and patients' needs.
Radial Head Replacement usually implies the following steps and techniques:
- Planned incision to reach the injured radial head.
- Bone removal with preservation of healthy parts of the bone and soft tissues.
- Proper selection of the prosthesis and its fixation in the radius bone.
- Evaluation of elbow joint stability, correct implant placement and forearm rotation.
- Closing of the wound and start of the personalized rehabilitation program.
SURGICAL PROCEDURE
What Happens during Radial Head Replacement Surgery?
Radial Head Replacement is a surgical treatment technique which removes a severely injured radial head and replaces it with a special prosthesis in order to restore the elbow joint stability and functionality. The surgery aims to preserve the normal functioning of the joint and forearm rotation in particular. At ALIGN ASIA, every surgery is individualized taking into account the injury features and patients' needs.
Radial Head Replacement usually implies the following steps and techniques:
- Planned incision to reach the injured radial head.
- Bone removal with preservation of healthy parts of the bone and soft tissues.
- Proper selection of the prosthesis and its fixation in the radius bone.
- Evaluation of elbow joint stability, correct implant placement and forearm rotation.
- Closing of the wound and start of the personalized rehabilitation program.
COMPLICATIONS
What are the Possible Complications of Radial Head Fracture or Its Treatment?
Although most patients recover well after the radial head fracture treatment, sometimes complications are possible, if a fracture remains untreated or during the healing process. Early diagnosis, proper treatment and compliance with rehabilitation program help minimize the risks of possible complications. Follow-up visits allow the specialists to control the process of recovery and solve arising issues in the timely manner.
Elbow Joint Stiffness
Elbow joint stiffness may appear as a result of the injury or surgery if the rehabilitation program is delayed.
Chronic Pain in the Elbow Joint
Some patients experience pain after the injury if it doesn't heal properly.
Elbow Joint Instability
Complex fractures with associated ligaments injury may lead to chronic instability of the joint if it is not properly treated.
Post-Traumatic Arthritis
Injury of the joint surfaces increases the possibility of developing arthritis in the future causing pain, stiffness and impairment of elbow joint functions.
Connect with our experts and get the right guidance for your condition.
RECOVERY
Recovery After Radial Head Replacement
RECOVERY
Recovery After Radial Head Replacement
Recovery after Radial Head Replacement is a gradual process which is aimed at protecting the implant and restoring the joint mobility, stability, strength, and forearm movements. The recovery period may differ according to the initial injury severity, associated ligaments injuries and individual process of healing. Rehabilitation program helps patients gradually returning to their usual activities avoiding any complications.
The recovery process after Radial Head Replacement usually includes the following stages:
AFTER CARE
Radial Head Replacement After Care
AFTER CARE
Radial Head Replacement After Care
Successful recovery depends on the protection of the elbow joint during the recovery process and adherence to rehabilitation program. Adequate after care program is needed to restore joint functions, improve strength, preserve the forearm movements and avoid possible complications. Follow-up appointments allow monitoring the implant position and recovery progress.
The following after care recommendations are needed for successful recovery:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do You Have Any Questions?
Yes. Many simple or minimally displaced radial head fractures heal with conservative treatment, including immobilization, pain relief and physiotherapy. But severe fractures require surgery.
The recovery time varies according to the initial injury severity, associated ligaments injuries and individual recovery. Your surgeon will develop personalized rehabilitation program and recovery timeline.
Return to sports, manual labor or other activities is dependent on the healing, restoration of strength, elbow joint stability and rehabilitation progress. Your surgeon will inform you about it.
Radial Head Replacement is a well-known orthopedic procedure that is usually safe when performed by skilled specialists and accompanied by adequate rehabilitation.
Most radial head implants are designed to provide the joint function for a long period. However, many patients don’t need additional surgeries but regular follow-up visits are needed to monitor the implant and joint functioning.
