RADIAL HEAD FRACTURE Radial head fractures are the most common elbow fracture in adults and are also the most commonly missed elbow fracture! Here’s a quick summary. • Most common elbow fracture in adults, also the most commonly missed elbow fracture • When looking at an elbow x-ray review alignment (anterior & radiocapitellar lines), fat pads (anterior & posterior) and bone cortex • If a fracture cannot be identified but anterior sail sign or posterior fat pad is seen, treat as non-displaced radial head fracture! • Mechanism: Fall onto outstretched hand • Exam: Tenderness to lateral elbow, limited ROM especially in supination/pronation • Possible associated injuries: Ligamentous injury (LCL > MCL), coronoid or olecranon fracture, distal radioulnar joint injury, interosseous membrane injury, elbow dislocation, scaphoid fracture • ED Management: Pain control • Splint: Sling • Ortho consult: No, if Type l; Yes, if Types II-IV • Disposition: Type I, DC with ortho follow-up within 1week; Types II-IV, pending orthopedic recommendations MH/CCF/CWRU EM Res @MetroHealth_EM #RadialHead #Radius #Fracture #Elbow #Radiology #XRay #Diagnosis #Management #Orthopedics #MSK
