Most common
Nonsurgical Treatment
Small, stable or minimally displaced fractures are usually treated with brief sling support, pain control and early elbow and forearm motion as symptoms allow.
Orthopedic elbow-fracture care
Radial Head Fracture Treatment & Elbow Surgery in Atlanta
Evaluation and treatment for lateral elbow pain and radial head fractures after a fall, including nonsurgical care, fracture repair and radial head replacement.
Most radial head fractures do not require surgery.
The important questions are whether the fracture is displaced, whether a fragment blocks elbow or forearm motion, and whether the radial head is needed to maintain elbow stability.
Most treated without surgery
Lateral-elbow evaluation
Repair when reconstructible
Replacement when necessary
Understanding the injury
What Is a Radial Head Fracture?
The radial head is the upper end of the radius bone where it meets the elbow. It helps the elbow bend and allows the forearm to rotate palm-up and palm-down.
Usually Caused by a Fall
Radial head fractures most often occur after a fall onto an outstretched hand. The force travels through the forearm and into the outside of the elbow.
Some fractures are small cracks with little displacement. Others break the radial head into several pieces or occur with elbow dislocation and ligament injury.
Common Symptoms
- Pain on the outside of the elbow
- Swelling around the elbow joint
- Pain with bending or straightening
- Pain turning the palm up or down
- Difficulty fully extending the elbow
- A catching or blocked feeling with motion
Why Forearm Rotation Can Hurt
The radial head rotates against the outside of the elbow as the palm turns up and down. A fracture fragment, swelling or joint injury can make this movement painful and occasionally create a true mechanical block.
Treatment options
Most Radial Head Fractures Are Treated Without Surgery
Treatment is based on displacement, number of fragments, elbow stability and whether motion is mechanically blocked.
Selected fractures
Open Repair or Fixation
A displaced fragment may be repaired with screws or a small plate when the radial head can be reconstructed and the fracture blocks motion or affects elbow stability.
Severe comminution
Radial Head Replacement
When the radial head is broken into multiple pieces and cannot be repaired reliably, replacement may restore the bony support needed for a stable elbow.
Repair Versus Replacement
Repair is preferred when the major fragments can be restored securely. Replacement becomes more useful when the radial head is severely comminuted, cannot be reconstructed or is part of a more unstable elbow injury.
The final decision is based on the fracture pattern, bone quality, associated ligament damage and elbow stability found on examination and imaging.
Recovery and motion
Early Elbow Motion Helps Prevent Stiffness
The elbow can become stiff quickly, so prolonged immobilization is usually avoided when the fracture and associated injuries are stable enough.
Early phase
Control Pain and Swelling
A sling may be used briefly for comfort while hand, wrist and finger motion continues.
As pain allows
Restore Elbow Motion
Bending, straightening and forearm rotation begin according to fracture stability and the treatment plan.
Later recovery
Return to Strength
Heavy lifting, pushing and pulling resume more gradually after pain improves and healing is confirmed.
Local orthopedic elbow care
Radial Head Fracture Treatment Serving Metro Atlanta, Decatur, Snellville and Loganville
Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists provides orthopedic evaluation, nonsurgical treatment, fracture fixation and radial head replacement for selected elbow injuries.
Atlanta
Decatur
Snellville
Loganville
Fulton County
DeKalb County
Gwinnett County
Walton County
Tell our scheduling team that you have a confirmed or suspected elbow fracture. Bring your imaging disc, radiology report and emergency-room or urgent-care paperwork.
Radial head fracture FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every radial head fracture require surgery?
No. Most small, stable and minimally displaced radial head fractures are treated without surgery using brief support and early motion.
Where does a radial head fracture hurt?
Pain is usually located on the outside of the elbow and often worsens when bending the elbow or rotating the forearm palm-up and palm-down.
When is open repair considered?
Repair may be considered when a displaced fragment blocks motion, the fracture affects elbow stability or the radial head can be reconstructed securely with screws or a small plate.
When is radial head replacement used?
Replacement may be recommended when the radial head is broken into multiple pieces and cannot be repaired reliably, especially when the elbow also has ligament injury or instability.
Why is early motion important?
The elbow becomes stiff quickly. Motion is usually started as soon as the fracture and associated injuries are stable enough to allow it safely.
Have Lateral Elbow Pain After a Fall?
Call Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists for evaluation of a possible radial head fracture and a clear plan for nonsurgical care, repair or replacement.
This page provides general educational information and does not replace an examination, imaging review or individualized medical advice. Seek emergency care for an open wound, severe deformity, a cold or pale hand, loss of a pulse, rapidly worsening numbness or weakness, or major trauma.