Joe A Shaw PA-C - 9/26/2008

Question
I got a fracture of radial head on my right elbow on 17.08.08 and was treated with a cast for three weeks. After the plaster was opened on 7.09.08, my elbow became very stiff. My supination and flexion movements are very less. Even after three weeks of phisiotherapy there is not much improvement. I am told by another doctor that plaster should not have been done at the elbow. Now how much time will be required to get my normal movements. will it be perfectly normal.

Answer
Rahela,
There are actually 4 diff kinds of radial head fx's. Most non-displaced/minimally displaced (ie the broken pieces are aligned normally)can be treated conservatively(ie w/o surgery)
A light wt posterior splint and sling are applied w elbow flexed 90 degrees. The splint is removed in 1 to 2 wks and early motion is encouraged. The sling is cont'd for another 1 -2 wks.

Displaced or comminuted fxs in ADULTS are usually treated by early excision or removal of the entire radial head.otherwise permn joint restriction can occur and traumatic arthritis.

Either way loss of extension(straightening)out of elbow is not uncommon,but little functional impairment results.
You need aggressive physical therapy..it will probably be as good as its going to get in 6-9 mos