A radial head fracture is a break at the top of the radius bone, at the part called the radial head, which sits right at the elbow joint.
How does a radial head fracture happen?
The radial head is the part of the radius bone that connects directly to the upper arm bone at the elbow. A break in this area usually happens when someone falls onto an outstretched arm. This is especially common during sport, on icy ground, or when the body instinctively tries to break a fall. The body's weight and the force of the impact travel through to the elbow joint, and the small, round radial head can be damaged quite easily.
Symptoms and typical complaints
A radial head fracture usually causes pain in the elbow, especially when moving or rotating the forearm. Many people notice swelling around the joint, and sometimes bruising is visible too. Straightening or bending the arm can be difficult, and turning the hand inwards or outwards can be particularly painful. In some cases, there may be a clicking or grinding feeling in the joint, or the arm may feel unstable.
Is a radial head fracture dangerous?
The word fracture can cause worry. A radial head fracture is painful, but in most cases it is not life-threatening. What matters most is how much the bone has moved out of place, and whether other structures such as ligaments, cartilage, or nearby bones have also been injured. An uncomplicated fracture usually heals well with the right treatment. Things become more complicated when the fracture is badly displaced, when there are several bone fragments, or when the joint is blocked. In those cases, there is a risk that the movement of the elbow may be permanently limited.
How is a radial head fracture diagnosed?
After a fall or a blow to the arm, it is important to see a doctor. The elbow will first be felt for swelling, pain, and limited movement. An X-ray will then show whether and how the bone is broken. In rare cases, further imaging such as a CT scan may be needed to get a clearer picture of the fracture. The diagnosis depends on whether the fracture is displaced, how many bone fragments there are, and whether the joint is affected.
Treatment options for a radial head fracture
Treatment depends on how serious the fracture is. For simple, non-displaced fractures, resting the arm in a splint or bandage for one to two weeks is often enough. Gentle movement exercises are usually started quite soon afterwards, to prevent the joint from becoming stiff. Pain relief medication can help to ease discomfort.
If the fracture is displaced or there are several bone fragments, surgery may be needed. The bone pieces are fixed in place using small screws or plates. In rare cases, when the radial head is severely damaged, it may be partly or fully removed and replaced with an artificial implant. The aim is always to preserve the movement of the elbow and to support healing.
What can you do yourself and what should you watch out for?
After a radial head fracture, patience is important. Gentle movement helps to keep the joint working. Keeping the arm still for too long should be avoided, as the elbow joint can stiffen up quickly. Physiotherapy guided by a doctor or therapist helps to regain movement and strengthen the muscles. In daily life, the arm should not be overloaded. Carrying heavy objects or making sudden jerky movements should be avoided in the first few weeks.
Applying something cool can help to reduce swelling. The elbow should be kept raised above heart level to help with circulation. If pain continues, or if there is numbness or noticeable swelling, it is a good idea to get a medical check-up.
Recovery outlook and possible complications
Most radial head fractures heal within six to eight weeks. Full use of the arm is often regained after two to three months. In rare cases, there may be limited movement, pain during activity, or a clicking sensation in the elbow. Particularly with complicated fractures, or when the joint has been kept still for a long time, a longer period of follow-up treatment may be needed.
Early and targeted movement, adjusted to the stage of healing, improves the chances of a full recovery. People who take part in regular physiotherapy after the injury and continue with exercises at home usually have a good chance of using their arm normally again.
What to do if symptoms persist?
Sometimes limited movement remains after a radial head fracture, or pain occurs with certain movements. In these cases, it is worth seeing a doctor again. Targeted exercises or further physiotherapy treatment can sometimes help. In rare cases, another operation may be needed to release adhesions or scar tissue in the joint.
A radial head fracture is a common injury that, with the right treatment and a little patience, heals well in most cases. Paying close attention to your body and taking aftercare seriously can actively support healing and significantly reduce the risk of long-term complications.
