Question - Radial Head Fracture

by Linda
(Tauranga, New Zealand)

This is not a sports injury, but 3 months ago I got hit by a reversing car. Once of my injuries was a radial head fracture to my right elbow. Even though the fracture should have healed by now I am having constant pain, clicking, catching, and a snapping sensation.

I have had about 10 sessions of physiotherapy to try to reach full extension, but this has not worked so I was referred to a specialist who just advised me to stop physiotherapy and it was going to take about six months to heal and just get on with life as best as I could. I am not entirely happy with this diagnosis and would appreciate any suggestions you may have.

Many thanks

Linda

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Question - Radial Head Fracture

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Aug 16, 2008
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Radial head fractures...
by: Bart - SII

The problem with this type of fracture is the way the radial head has to move during elbow motion. When you move your forearm, turning your wrist over, the radial head must rotate within the joint. A fracutre usually significantly reduces this movement, causing problems with extension, as well as forearm pronation and supination (turning your hand over)

Did your PT involve any joint mobilizations or soft tissue massage around the radial head? This will often help return extension and decrease pain.

Sometimes, it is beneficial to stop therapy for a few weeks, take time to just live life, and let your motion come back naturally. However, it is a good idea to keep an eye on how you are doing and make sure to follow up in a few weeks if you are not improving.

4-6 months for recovery is a normal timeline for this injury.

Bart

Aug 18, 2008
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RADIAL HEAD FRACTURE
by: LINDA

To Bart,

Firstly I would like to thank you for taking the time to answer my question.

My PT did apply soft tissue massage around the radial head. I have stopped physiotherapy for now and I am just going to let nature take its course and look forward to being completely recovered within the next few months.

Kind Regards,
Linda

Aug 20, 2008
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Good Luck!
by: Bart - SII

You are very welcome!

Good luck with your continued recovery.

Bart

Jul 18, 2009
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Injury
by: Leonard

Iam A Chef in santa Fe NM I Fellat work cooking and received a radial head fracture to my right elbow i dont have full range motion im stuck at 30 degrees i was at 40 it wont move am i ever gonna have full motion

Jul 18, 2009
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Aug 02, 2009
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RADIAL HEAD FRACTURE
by: LINDA

IT HAS BEEN OVER 12 MONTHS SINCE I BROKE MY ELBOW AND IT HAS TAKEN THIS LONG TO OBTAIN FULL MOTION. I DID ATTEND PT WHICH HELPED WITH EXTENSION AND THE FRACTURE HEALED WELL, BUT I STILL SUFFER WITH A VERY SORE ARM SOME DAYS, IT DEPENDS ON HOW MUCH PHYSICAL WORK I HAVE BEEN DOING. BUT THATS NOT TO SAY YOUR FRACTURE WILL TAKE THAT LONG IT DEPENDS ON HOW MUCH MUSCLE AND NERVE DAMAGE YOU SUFFERED. HAVE YOU BEEN TO A PT. GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR RECOVERY.

Aug 26, 2009
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help with radial head fracture
by: leen321

hi; I fractured ny radial head of my dominant arm. X-ray report stated.. fracture of the radial head with extension into thr articular surface with slght distraction of the fracture fragments.

I did this 1 week ago. when i bent my arm at the elbow palm of hand facing me my elbow locked and I could not touch my shoulder with my palm. The only treatment plan I have is to stay in this half hard cast for two weeks than begin therapy. I am afraid mt ROM will nrver be the same An ideas? excuse the typing

Sep 02, 2009
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I'm almost there
by: Anonymous

I fell with my arm extended and broke the radial head in my non-dominant arm. This was 7 weeks ago. It was casted for the 1st two weeks. Then I began therapy myself to work on getting full extension. Did not go to a therapist. I have now achieved that and can bend it to touch my shoulder, though not without pain. Doc says from my most recent x-ray that the bone is still not yet completely healed. Must continue to be careful. Worked very hard to achieve the full extension. Exercised 2x a day initially at 2 weeks post fracture and then 3x day since then. Worked up to about 70 extension stretched and then the same number of bends by the 4th week post fracture holding for 10 and then short stretches and bends 70 times. I am of the opinion, that in order to achieve full extension and flex you must work very hard at it. And it is going to be painful. You know what they say, no pain no gain. Keep working and you will get there.

Oct 06, 2009
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radial head fracture
by: Anonymous

Ifell leaving a restaurant and fractured the radial head of right elbow. Dr. has stated I will prob not be able to extend my arm straight out ever. I was put in a sling (no cast) and it seems to aggravate my pain. Is it normal to have pain from the elbow down to the hand? I have been put on therapy 2 weekly for 5 weeks and report back to the DR. I am elderly and I dont look for a fast recovery. What are your thoughts?

Oct 06, 2009
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Radial head fracture
by: Kathy

Hi Anonymous:

I'm in a similar situation - I broke my radial head almost 5 weeks ago, and was in a sling (no cast) for about 3 weeks. I still have almost constant pain, but for the first two weeks especially I did have pain that radiated all the way down to my hand. My doctor told me that this was normal, as there are some nerves in the elbow that run all the way down to the hand, especially in the area of your ring and pinkie fingers. I think we both have a long road ahead of us, so good luck.

Oct 07, 2009
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radial head injury
by: Anonymous

I fractured my radial head 8 weeks ago. I have been doing pt for 8 weeks and I still cant straighten arm. My doctor has ordered a JAS brace to help straighten arm. My pain has increased since my injury. Has anyone had same problem, and ever used this brace?

Oct 08, 2009
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bi lateral radial head fracture
by: Anonymous

I experienced the clicking, and now with autumn coming I can feel a dull thudding pain that I think I am stuck with

My Own story
============
I was knocked off my push bike and managed to have my two elbows broken (non displaced radial head fracture).
Initially I was put in 2 casts - however a second opinion had the casts removed , replaced with slings and exercises.
After about 2 weeks, the constant pain stopped - and i have recovered as much as I will. I have good ROM and can touch my shoulders with little pain. The PT was painful, but beneficial.
I was glad to be out of the casts as it accelerated the healing.

it is the dull constant pain when it rains that irks me most - will this continue?

Oct 19, 2009
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Radial Head Fracture
by: Anonymous

I fractured my radial head in April of 2009. Initially treated with sling until could tolerate pain. Did extensive physical therapy for 3 months. Gained extension to -25 degrees.

I have intense pain that shoots down my forearm and into my biceps whenever I put any weight on my arm.

I went for a second opinion today from another orthopedic surgeon. He said that I have a crater in my radial head where it did not heal. He is sending me for a nerve conduction test as he thinks I may have some sort of nerve entrapment. He is also recommending a radial head replacement.

Has anyone undergone this procedure and what was your experience? It has been seven months since I fractured my elbow and I need resolution.

Oct 20, 2009
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Fractured radial head Sob Story
by: Mac

In 2001 I fell and broke that pesky little bone in my right elbow. The doctor at the time had the same fracture and told me it would never be 100%. (he was correct) He said to move it as much as possible, even though it smarted, but for several months, I found that impossible, it smarted like the dickens.
It took about five years until I could stretch my arm out straight, and even still, it feels 'tight' at the elbow. This I accomplished by holding it out straight, palm up, and pushing under my elbow with my left hand.
The past few years it's been manageable, although if I've done a lot of heavy lifting, I can amaze my friends with all the snap, crackle and pop sounds I can make.
I'm a piano player in Calgary and it's a good thing I'm a hack from way back, because had I'd been a concert pianist, this definitely would have been career ending. Lucky me.
Also, when I close my right hand fingers into a fist, the middle finger locks, and I can't straighten it out unless I snap it back with my left hand. The doctor said this was a severed tendon I got as a bonus. I don't know if this is part of the fractured radial head injury, or a separate injury that occurred at the same time.
So, eight years later this dam thing still occasionally bugs the hell out of me, and I'm thinking about surgery, but would it wind up worse? Plus, in Calgary, Alberta, the health care system is in a state of chaos, the wait times are lenghthy, and I can't afford the time off work.
I hope my comments are helpful to others afflicted with this stupid injury.
Mac, Calgary

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Oct 20, 2009
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Submitted by: Mac

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In 2001 I fell and broke that pesky little bone in my right elbow. The doctor at the time had the same fracture and told me it would never be 100%. (he was correct) He said to move it as much as possible, even though it smarted, but for several months, I found that impossible, it smarted like the dickens. It took about five years until I could stretch my arm out straight, and even still, it feels 'tight' at the elbow. This I accomplished by holding it out straight, palm up, and pushing under my elbow with my left hand. The past few years it's been manageable, although if I've done a lot of heavy lifting, I can amaze my friends with all the snap, crackle and pop sounds I can make. I'm a piano player in Calgary and it's a good thing I'm a hack from way back, because had I'd been a concert pianist, this definitely would have been career ending. Lucky me. Also, when I close my right hand fingers into a fist, the middle finger locks, and I can't straighten it out unless I snap it back with my left hand. The doctor said this was a severed tendon I got as a bonus. I don't know if this is part of the fractured radial head injury, or a separate injury that occurred at the same time. So, eight years later this dam thing still occasionally bugs the hell out of me, and I'm thinking about surgery, but would it wind up worse? Plus, in Calgary, Alberta, the health care system is in a state of chaos, the wait times are lenghthy, and I can't afford the time off work. I hope my comments are helpful to others afflicted with this stupid injury. Mac, Calgary

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Oct 20, 2009
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Six weeks later
by: Anonymous

I fell on my outstretched left hand and shattered my radial plate in four pieces. The following morning I flew cross-country back home with my arm in a sling, nothing else, what a journey. A week later, the surgeon removed the bone fragments and inserted a titanium pin. Two days later, I was out of a splint and exercising, with PT, very tentatively. I thought it would be healed by now -- I've been doing my exercises religiously -- but I feel as much, if not more pain now, though I have decent range of motion (can't touch my shoulder, though) and it's impossible to straighten my arm. Foolishly, I tried to carry heavy grocery bags the other day, thinking I was exercising the arm and forcing it to get straighter. No one mentioned that this might not be a good thing. The arm was excruciatingly painful for 48 hours. Typing causes pain, especially in the shoulder area, and I'm a writer, so that's depressing. I had no idea the healing would take this long and wish there was more information on the subject so that I could have managed my expectations accordingly. What a relief, through this site, to find out that I'm not the only one with ongoing pain.

Doctor said "no pain, no gain" and therapist said "listen to your body." Not sure which advice to follow!

Oct 22, 2009
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Radial head fracture with ORIF
by: Anonymous

I broke my non-dominant radial head while tailgating at a football game believe it or not! Tripped over a cornhole game while playing catch with a football in a parking lot. I had two opinions: 1) Surgery with possible screws and/or plate or replacement 2) No surgery and see how I feel. I went forward with the surgery due to the amount of nerve pain I was experiencing. It ended up being the right decision because my bone fragement was stuck in my elbow joint and I would not have been able to ever extend my arm. The fragment was screwed back into the radius and I am now 3 weeks post surgery. I am able to type but cannot straigten my arm and do not have good range of motion with my hand. My Dr. just referred me to P.T. and recommended the JAS brace. I've heard it's rather expensive so PT hopefully help me get some range of motion back. From reading the below posts, it appears this may be a long battle!

Oct 28, 2009
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Arm tingling
by: Anonymous

I had a radial fracture in August of 2008. The only treatment I had was a sling and home exercises.
Last week Ive begun to have tingling in my elbow down to my hand.
Has anyone experienced this?

Nov 23, 2009
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My recovery
by: Barry

It's been 4 weeks since I broke my radial head. (non displaced, non dominant).

I fell 8 feet off a wall and landed on my outstretched arm. Had NO movement for a week. I was put in a collar and cuff (sling) and told to rest it. Second week I started my own exercises at home, moving my are slowly and gripping things. But as little rotation as possible, this I have read is bad for recovery. During weeks 2 and 3 I had tingling along my arm from my elbow to my hand when touched.... felt like nerve damage that I had in broken nose.

Week four and I have full extension and nearly full rotation with little pain...only soreness is if I have and flat on ground and try to apply pressure (as if push up). This i am told is due to sever tendon damage from the fall....like a sprained wrist.

hope this helps and good luck with your recoverys...looks like i got lucky

Nov 23, 2009
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update
by: Kathy

Well, I am now almost 11 weeks post-injury and am extremely frustrated. I'm in constant (though fortunately not excruciating) pain, have quite a bit of fatigue, and am still about 35 degrees away from full extension. I am now in a hard splint which I wear at night in an attempt to force my arm to get straight. So far it has done nothing except ruin my sleeping. I actually have less mobility than when I started using it.

I'm sorry to be a downer, but if you are going through this, stay on your doctor like white on rice and make sure they are doing everything they can for you. Push the issue. I believed what I now think is my doctor's lackadaisical attitude, and now I'm wondering if I'll ever regain full motion. At this point, it seems unlikely.

Dec 01, 2009
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Keep going people!!
by: Knit Bones

I fell and fractured my radial head in my left arm 6 weeks ago. (On my way into my first day of work and all!)

The doctor told me the same thing as I am hearing here; that you will never be 100%, well that is complete BS because today at my physiotherepy I was mesured at zero degrees - perfect.

I am a fashion student, not an exercise person at all, but I refused to believe that doctor and now he cannot believe my arm!

Full extention, can bend right up to my shoulder, and turn my palm any way I please! I started my physio after 2 and a half weeks and have been doing a bit everyday, it is still tender, I'm not going to over-do anything right now.

I say believe in yourself and that all your little cells can help you and know you better than some negative bloody doctor!!

Dec 09, 2009
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Radial Head Facture - undisplaced
by: Anonymous

Hi everyone,

I fell and broke my nondominant radial head 5 days ago. In ER, I was told that I have non-displaced radial head fracture. I was put into sling and was sent home. My elbow got really swollen the next day and still is. The day after, I noticed a large bruise over my elbow.

I don't have pain at rest, but when I move my arm it starts to hurt. My pronation and supination movements are getting better, but my flexion/extension is very limited. The arm feels very heavy when I move it.

I have not seen an orthopedic surgeon yet, but I have an appointment coming up. I know it's been less than a week since my injury, but I already trying to exercise my arm at home. I try to turn it up and down, and flex and extend it to my limits. I also started carrying light things to get my muscle power back.

I wish everyone fast recovery.

Dec 10, 2009
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Re:
by: Knit Bones

To the last comment! don't exercise it for at least two weeks!! I had the exact same pain an sensation you're talking about at first but I got to see a physio nurse 2 and a half weeks after my fall and thats when you need to start, she said it takes two weeks for the fracture to bind, so please don't exercise before that!! So sore!!

Dec 13, 2009
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Complete radial head replacement
by: Anonymous

I fell about 4 months ago over forklift blades that were left up. I had a full radial head replacement, and then 3 months later a follow up under anethesia manipulation. I still do not have full range of motion. I have been using a JAS brace for 2 months, too. I currently only have a rom of 40 to 120 is driving me a bit nuts.
I have been to physical therapy twice a week for four months, and work on my therapy 3 times a day.

Any added suggestions on how to get full extension? Or the next thing I should look into?

Please advise.

Dec 20, 2009
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Radial Head Fracture
by: Al

Bah - just my luck to get this injury!

Week 2 for me. Week one it was just cracked, week 2 it has separated from the bone. Week 3 x-ray in a couple of days and I'm hoping for some re-attachment of bone, but I'm not hopeful as I nearly hit the roof the other day when my 2yr old tripped and fell and I lunged out for her only to un-intentionally extend my arm! Ow!

Did it cycling when some girl clipped my rear wheel on her bike and took me down. At least I put my foot through her expensive carbon wheels in the process :-P

Dec 31, 2009
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radial head
by: Anonymous

I fell at work and broke the radial head in my elbow.

Happened 6th Dec 2009. Had operation on 29th Dec (2 days ago).

Advised by physio to start joint movement right away. befoe opewration pain was bad and as a guitarist thought I'd never play again. However today pain is gone and I amplaying again although there is no doubt that it'll be sometime before I am gig ready. But really I can see real progress so things are very very positive.

I was told not operating was not an option, especially if i wanted to play guitar again.

I was told to start rotation exercise right away and i have to say that this is esential for guitar players!

Jan 10, 2010
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Rt Radial Head Fracture
by: Ferngrrrl

I was treated at a little hospital in Jasper Alberta immeidately after the fall & fortunately,received an injection of Tordol [anti-iflammatory] which allowed me to get through the night and reduce swelling. The attending physician preferred a sling to prevent the elbow joint from seizing. The pain was deep, achy and intense and of course, I was unable to extend the arm or rotate the hand at all. I was able to track down topical arnica gel and took homeopathic symphytum and Bach Oak tincture until I could see my naturopath in Ontario [day 7] who gave me BFC cream [bone, flesh, cartilage], arnica homeopathic and supplements [B complex, D,Cal/mag - it is an osteoporosis formulation]. I am applying the cream and taking the supplements and also had one treatment of accupuncture and a TENS to the painful bicep area [day 9]. My healing took a dramatic turn after this. It is now day 12 and extension and rotation are improving daily and better than I expected at this point. I will continue cream, supplements and a few more accupuncture treatments for 4 - 6 weeks in total. I would highly recommend a qualified naturopath who can work to support your healing once the medical folks have assessed the damage.

Jan 15, 2010
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Unable to supinate arm after radial head fracture
by: Anonymous

I tripped over ice and broke my right radial head 10 days ago. Was splinted for a few days, then in a sling. CT showed no displacement of fracture. Started PT 2 days ago. Have been unable to supinate forearm past neutral (thumb up)position since injury. PT is excruciating during any motion past neutral. Extension is limited, but not nearly as painful as rotation. I understand this will be a painful recovery, but this seems beyond what is reasonable. Any thoughts?

Jan 15, 2010
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Re: Unable to supinate arm after radial head fracture
by: Knit Bones

About your comment, rotating your arm, the physio told me that the bone needs at least 14 days to knit, so I would seriously put off trying to rotate your arm up for another week, as it's not really healed enough to try to move it.

I feel your pain, that was the sorest part of the physio for me, but it will be less sore and you will be able to get it moving again!

Jan 15, 2010
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response
by: Anonymous

I agree about the supination. It's really not been long enough for you to be performing this motion. I'm still having pain, and I'm 4 months post-injury. The first three weeks were excruiciating, and I had NO supination ability without major pain until about 2 months post-injury. Now there is still some pain, but only a little. Don't rush it - if you do this too soon you can re-injure the bone which could make your injury worse. Just give it a little time. :)

Jan 24, 2010
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any help would be appreciated
by: 22andstressed

I have a question for anybody out with an answer. Unfortunately suffered a broken radial head in my dominant arm (right) playing beaseball two weeks ago. i have already been thru surgery and just started rehab. my doc just took out the couple pieces that broke off the RH and sealed it back up. i have got almost all of my range of motion back,w/is great... but when i put any weight on the thing, like a push up type excersise it pops all over the place. it pops when coming back from full extension or when i move the elbow with any kind weight in my hand when the elbow is raised above my chest. its really strange and uncomfortable. im starting to get worried that its going to be all messed up forever. if i wasn't such and active person i wouldn't really care. but I race motorcycles and i just joined the military and can't even do one push up. has anybody else had this popping problem, and if so did it go away eventually or did you get stuck with it? or should i consider radial head replacement surgery?

Jan 24, 2010
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Jan 25, 2010
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Get a second opinion
by: Anonymous

I broke my radial head in my dominant arm 4 months ago. I did not have surgery as the doctor felt it was not needed. I wore a sling for 2 months and started therapy a week after the sling was removed.
With each visit to the doctor, I complained of pain in my elbow, wrist and hand as well as stiffness. The doctor just said keep up with therapy twice a week and do my home program. I went for a second opinion and a c-scan was done which showed that my arm did not heal and there was still a crack in the radial head. I go for surgery next week for the radial head replacement. If you feel that something is not right, get a second opinion because x-rays and doctors are not always 100% right.

Jan 29, 2010
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Extreme heat
by: Anonymous

I fractured my radial head 12 days ago,and was given a sling and told to come back for an xray after 2 weeks. I can move it a fair amount, although its pretty weak still. Does anyone suffer in the evenings with your arm becoming red hot? My elbow is always worse in the evenings having a deep ache and being incredibly restless, but the heat is unbearable, i go through ice packs that still dont cool it down!Until i read this page i didn't realise how long the recovery would be, my doctor seemed to rush me in as quickly as he rushed me out.

Wishing everyone a speedy recovery

Feb 08, 2010
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Radial head fracture
by: Anonymous

I just returned from my 10 day follow up visit for a fall I had on an icy driveway.When I fell, I landed my elbow then my hand. I waited a day and when the swelling didn't reduce even with ice and the throbbing continued despite motrin, I went to the orthopaedist and was examined. I had x-rays and no fracture showed up although she felt it was a radial head fracture and put me in a sling. The doc had me come back today and she ordered another x-ray. THis time the fracture (like a crack in a teacup) showed up. The doc tells me that it could take 8-12 weeks before I feel better and I should continue to use the sling on and off, but that some motion is best. Continue to ice and move it gently. Take motrin for the throbbing (which feels like a bad toothache). .elbow hurt the most for the first few days and for the last three days the pain has been down my forearm. The doc took another x-ray

Feb 09, 2010
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doesn't sound good
by: jen

I fell on my way to class, and threw my arm out to catch myself as soon as I stood up I was unable to put my arm out straight. I have been told that I have a radial head fracture it has been two weeks and is still very painful to do any movement my doctor told me to start moving several times a day I try but am unable to get very much movement without alot of pain. I work as a kindergarten aide and am concerned about how long I will be off work, I only have eight sick days accumulated. Does anyone know how long this usually takes?

Feb 21, 2010
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radial head fracture
by: Luckyduck

I'm 25 years old. I had a radial head fracture on 12-9-09...I fell off a platform at my work. I didn't need to have surgery. The doctor said my bone was in a good spot. Its been about 2 1/2 months but I can say it is gradually getting better. I basically have full motion of my arm, although my arm is very weak since I haven't been able to move it. The biggest problem Im having is the movement of straighting my arm, I can do it but my elbow feels really tight and has a clicking or snapping feeling. I had another X-ray done and the doctor said my bone healed perfect, but it takes 4-6 months to fully heal. And the doctor said my elbow had alot of inflammation in it, and he said I have to fight through it. Also I have attempted a "push up" My arm feels like it has the strength but every time i do it my elbow makes a popping or snapping sound. I just hope its all better after 6 months is over.

Feb 25, 2010
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elbow
by: Anonymous

hi i had a question for anyone willing to answer it. i had a radial head fracture in the middel of november 09 and am still haing problems. the last xray i had in mid december showed my bone was almost completely healed and my doc told me to lose the sling but i am still in pain. i cant straighten and can barely touch my elbow . it is also extremely swollen. i do not have constant pain tho only when i move it wrong. any ideas??

Feb 27, 2010
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stick with it - it takes time
by: Anonymous

I broke my right radial head in a cycling crash 6 months ago. I began early movement after 2 wks. Its a very painful and SLOW process so be prepared. After a few months I was able to get back in the gym and begin strengthening my forearm for increased stability. After six months of hard training I am able to perform any exercise and my ROM as returned although it is still very creaky and pops often.

Just stick with strengthening your forearm and upper arm after the bone has healed completely and understand that it is a long process that calls for serious discipline.

Can't wait to get back on the bicycle this season!!

Mar 02, 2010
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Radial Head Recovery
by: David

I'm 27, fell with my arm extended playing basketball a month ago. I had the radial head reattached with 4 screws, and started therapy 1 week after. The first session, I had extremely limited motion, extension and flexion around 45 degrees and rotation of less than 10 degrees. Three weeks of therapy has led to almost complete extension and flexion, and rotation. The doctor was amazed one month out from injury of movement. I do have difficulty with lifting anything with my hand. It causes a pulling sensation at the elbow that radiates down to my hand. The therapist said to keep practicing home exercises in order to maintain and improve range of motion.

Mar 11, 2010
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radial heAD fracture
by: Anonymous

hi i fractured my radial head on my dominant arm in october 2009 was in a cast for 4 days then had surgery had on screw put in! felt great to be out the cast as it was hurting my wrist being in the cast its been 5 months now and i have been doing my strething trying to straighten my arm palms up and pushing my palm down wid my left hand! i am lifting light weights to help and trying to build my tricpes as they are the muscles that help straighten ur arm! i can rotate my arm now without pain but in the mornings can be little stiff! i can touch my shoulder with my fingers now but not without pain but pain is going away now thankfully....main problem still is not full extention almost there im working really hard on it...im sure it can be done not gonna give up hope im 28 and use 2 weight train so i wanna get back in training im not gonna give up...... Just keep on moveing ur arm if u dont use it u lose it lol by the way i had pt for about 10 sessions he said im improveing so they discharged me and told me to carry on with movements...build those triceps

Mar 13, 2010
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Seems like a slow recovery process
by: Stievie

I fell when I was out running on 25 January. I thought my arm was just badly bruised, but, sfter a week in pain, I went to hospital, got x-rayed, and was told I had a radial head fracture. Although I am having intensive physio, and do the exercises I have been given religiously, I cannot extend my arm fully and the pain still sometimes wakes me up at night. My arm creaks and cracks alarmingly when I do the exercises. Acupuncture has been effective in relieving the pain and relaxing the tight muscles around the elbow. It is a relief to hear that others have had the same experience, but depressing that it seems as if it will be a long haul to get full movement back, if ever.