INTRODUCTION​

• A radial head fracture is an injury to one of the elbow bones, on the outer part of the elbow

• It is often associated with an elbow lateral collateral ligament (LCL) injury

• The common classification system for radial head fractures is the Mason Classification

CAUSES

• Often due to fall on elbow with outstretched arm

• Sometimes associated with elbow dislocation

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow

• Elbow stiffness and loss of elbow straightening or bending

• Elbow swelling and bruising

TREATMENT​​

• Treatment of radial head fractures depends on the Mason classification system

• Most radial head fractures are Mason Type 1 and treatment is conservative

• Treatment plan consists of a very short period of sling use followed by early range of motion. Key is to begin motion early because stiffness is the #1 complication

• For Mason type 2,3,4 with mechanical block to motion, treatment is usually surgical

• If fracture is reducible, surgical fixation with screws and possible a small plate can be considered

• If fracture is broken into too many small pieces, then a radial head replacement may be necessary

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