The document discusses the treatment and rehabilitation of radial head fractures. Radial head fractures are challenging to treat due to the complex elbow anatomy. The goal of treatment is to restore anatomy and joint function while avoiding post-traumatic arthritis. Common symptoms include elbow pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. Rehabilitation is divided into three phases. Phase I focuses on range of motion exercises while avoiding stress on the joint. Phase II adds in supination and pronation exercises. Phase III aims to regain full pre-injury range of motion by 8 weeks.

2. fall onto an outstretched hand. It
occurs when you fall down and
try to break the fall by reaching
down with your hand. This may
result in an upper extremity injury
such as a sprain or a fracture.

4. Due to the complex anatomy and
biomechanics of the elbow joint radial head
fractures are challenging, particularly the
comminuted ones.

5. The aim of radial head fracture treatment
is to restore the anatomy and joint
kinematics, achieve a stable and pain-
free range-of-motion and to avoid
posttraumatic degenerative changes.

6. The most common symptoms of a radial head fracture
include:
Pain on the outside of the elbow
Swelling in the elbow joint
Difficulty in bending or straightening the elbow
accompanied by pain
Inability or difficulty in turning the forearm (palm up to palm
down or vice versa)
(American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2014)

7. Phase I (0–2 Weeks)
• Radial head ORIF immobilized in splint for 1 to 2 weeks
• Radial head replacement without associated ligamentous injury
may start ROM if tolerable the first postoperative day
• A sling for comfort may be used in early postoperative period
• Elbow active and active-assisted ROM for flexion and extension
• Stress in the coronal plane (varus/valgus) should be avoided by
performing ROM with arm close to body.
• Avoid flexion in pronation.
• An extension splint may be used with subsequent increase in
extension parameters per surgeon discretion in radial head
replacement.
• Maintain motion of adjacent joints.

8. Phase II (2–6 Weeks)
• Sutures or staples removed at two weeks
• Continue Phase I exercises.
• Active and active-assisted supination and pronation are
initiated.
• By end of 6 weeks full ROM of elbow in flexion and extension
should be obtained
• Maintain motion of adjacent joints.
• Check with surgeon regarding bony healing in ORIF group but
should generally be achieved by 6 weeks
• Weight restriction limitations decreased per surgeon
discretion.

9. Phase III (6 Weeks and Beyond)
• Continue previous exercise.
• By 8 weeks full preoperative motion should be
obtained, includ-
ing supination and pronation.