Lightning Learning: Radial Head Fracture Pathway
STOP!
Radial head fractures account for 1.5-4% of all fractures.
85% occur in 20-60 age range. More frequent in women.
Usually the result from FOOSH (with elbow in extension) when the radial head impacts the capitellum.
Undisplaced radial head fractures have a good outcome in 85-95% patients who are managed conservatively in a collar and cuff for 2-3 days.
LOOK
The patient may present with swelling, but typically they will have difficulty extending and supinating the elbow.
Look for posterior fat pad +/- anterior sail sign (see fig 1). Fat pads are signs of an elbow effusion and should be treated as an undisplaced occult fracture.
LEARN
Local patient protocol @ UHL:
- Complete a radial head fracture pathway
- Give patient a Patient Information Leaflet
Local guidance:
- Radial Head Fractures In Adults Initial Management including Referral to Virtual Fracture Clinic (UHL Guideline)
Online reading:
- Mason classification of radial head fractures (Radiopaedia.org)
- A new ‘virtual’ patient pathway for the management of radial head and neck fractures (Jayaram PR et al. March 2014)
