Management of Radial Head Fractures

Treatment Approach

• The American College of Radiology recommends using a removable splint rather than rigid casting for nondisplaced or minimally displaced radial head fractures, as this provides adequate immobilization while allowing for early mobilization and preventing stiffness 1
• For fractures with displacement less than or equal to 3mm and no rotational block to motion, a removable splint is appropriate 1
• The American College of Radiology suggests that immediate mobilization protocol should include beginning active finger motion exercises immediately after splint application to prevent stiffness 1
• Finger motion does not adversely affect adequately stabilized radial head fractures, according to the American College of Radiology 1
• The presence of a terrible triad injury pattern, which includes radial head fracture, coronoid fracture, and elbow dislocation, requires surgical consultation rather than splinting 2

Follow-up and Monitoring

• Radiographs should be obtained at 3 weeks post-injury to confirm adequate healing, as recommended by the American College of Radiology 1
• Repeat imaging at the time of immobilization removal is necessary, according to the American College of Radiology 1
• Monitoring for complications, including skin irritation or muscle atrophy, which occur in approximately 14.7% of immobilization cases, is crucial 1