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$Elbow brace for radial head fracture$

$elbow brace for radial head fracture$

#Elbow brace for radial head fracture skin

Because of the complexity of the elbow joint it is important to follow medical advice and to perform the recommended exercises regularly. Your doctor or physical therapist will develop a program of rehabilitation exercises, starting at the correct time for your particular injury. This would be worn for two weeks and then changed to a hinged brace to allow range of motion exercises to begin. After surgery the arm would be placed in a long arm cast with the elbow bent at 90 degrees. Damaged soft tissues would be trimmed or reattached as necessary. During surgery the bone pieces are realigned and held in position with orthopedic fixing devices such as screws, pins or plates. The best results are achieved with a technique called open reduction internal fixation. Type II, III, and IV fractures require surgery. Pain medication, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and icing of the elbow would continue to provide relief. Following reduction, the elbow would be placed in a sling, with perhaps a few days wearing a splint as well. If there is no displacement, there is no need for manipulation. If the patient is an adult and the degree of bone displacement is less than 2 mm, the doctor will attempt to realign the bone without the need for surgery. Type I fractures are usually treated conservatively (non-operatively). The wound would be thoroughly cleaned and any repair to the bone or soft tissues performed at the same time.

#Elbow brace for radial head fracture skin

If a bone fragment has pierced the skin (a compound fracture) there is a serious risk of infection so surgery would be immediate.

$elbow brace for radial head fracture$

The elbow will be placed in a splint and supported in a sling. The method used will depend on the type of fracture.įirst aid will consist of applying ice to the elbow to relieve swelling, and administering pain medication. The aim of treatment is to regain maximum function and stability of the elbow joint. If damage to soft tissues such as ligaments is suspected, CT (computed tomography) scans of the elbow may also be taken. Several will taken of the elbow from different angles to aid diagnosis and ensure that any other bone injuries are discovered. The blood and nerve supply will be carefully checked as several nerves and blood vessels pass through the elbow joint. Your wrist will be checked for injury as wrists are often damaged at the same time as an elbow injury. The doctor will probably do some passive tests (the doctor moves your arm for you) to assess the stability of the elbow joint ligaments. You will be asked to try to straighten your arm and move your hand. He or she will gently palpate (touch) your elbow, feeling for signs of fracture or dislocation. The doctor will ask you about the circumstances of your injury.

Depending on injury, visible deformity of the elbow.

Possible numbness or tingling sensation.

Difficulty bending or straightening the arm, and difficulty turning the palm up or down.

Swelling and tenderness of the outer side of the elbow.

Holding the elbow in a flexed (bent) position.

Pain, sometimes severe, on the outer, upper or lower side of the elbow.

In some cases, deterioration of the bone due to osteorarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis may result in a fracture. Rarely, this type of injury occurs as a result of a heavy blow, such as during a motor vehicle accident. A Monteggia fracture-dislocation with the radial head fractured is an example of a Type IV injury.Ī fall onto an outstretched arm, with the forearm angled, is the most usual cause of a radial head fracture. These comminuted fractures are often combined with a dislocation and affect associated soft tissues such as ligaments. The entire radial head has been broken into pieces (a comminuted fracture). The fracture involves a larger piece of bone, and there may be fragments broken off. The fractures tend to be small and crack-like. These fractures are typically stable in that the bone is not displaced. Radial head fractures are classified according to their severity and the degree of separation between the bone pieces: A strong membrane between the radius and ulna holds the bones close together but allows them to rotate around each other to a certain degree so that we can turn our palms up and down. At the furthest (distal) end of the forearm, the radius articulates with the ulna and three of the wrist bones. At the proximal (upper) end of the bones, the ulna articulates with the radius and the humerus (upper arm bone) to form the hinge-like elbow joint.

$Elbow brace for radial head fracture$