Radial head fracture
Revision as of 18:44, 29 September 2014 by Rossdonaldson1 (talk | contribs) (Created page with "==Background== *Most common fractures of the elbow *Caused by FOOSH leading to radial head being driven into the capitellum *Associated injuries are common: **Capitellum, olec...")
Background
- Most common fractures of the elbow
- Caused by FOOSH leading to radial head being driven into the capitellum
- Associated injuries are common:
- Capitellum, olecranon, and coronoid fx, MCL injury, dislocation
Clinical Features
- Pain in the lateral elbow, esp w/ pronation/supination of forearm
- Swelling laterally and tenderness of radial head
Differential Diagnosis
Elbow Diagnoses
Radiograph-Positive
- Distal humerus fracture
- Radial head fracture
- Capitellum fracture
- Olecranon fracture
- Elbow dislocation
Radiograph-Negative
- Biceps tendon rupture/dislocation
- Lateral epicondylitis
- Medial epicondylitis
- Olecranon bursitis (nonseptic)
- Pronator teres syndrome
- Septic bursitis
Pediatric
- Nursemaid's elbow
- Supracondylar fracture
- Lateral epicondyle fracture
- Medial epicondyle fracture
- Olecranon fracture
- Radial head fracture
- Salter-Harris fractures
Diagnosis
- Imaging
- Fractures are often subtle
- Look for abnormal fat pad
- Look for radiocapitellar line disruption
- Fractures are often subtle
Management
- Sling immobilization in flexion, ice, elevation
- Nondisplaced fx w/ no mobility restrictions: ortho f/u within 1wk
- Displaced fx or mobility restricintons: ortho f/u within 24hr