Fracture Care · Elbow, forearm & wrist
Radial head fracture
Radial Head Fracture — Fixation (ORIF) or Radial Head Replacement
The condition
The radial head is the round top of the forearm's radius bone at the outer elbow. It lets you turn your palm up and down and helps keep the elbow stable. It usually breaks in a fall on an outstretched hand, sometimes with torn ligaments or a dislocation. Badly shifted fractures can block motion and leave the elbow unstable.
The surgery
This is a typically outpatient surgery through an incision on the outer elbow. Depending on what is found, the broken pieces are put back together with small screws and/or a plate, or, if the radial head is shattered beyond repair, it is replaced with a metal implant. Torn ligaments are repaired at the same time. The final plan is determined during surgery.
Recovery at a glance
- Splint & sling
- Splint until the first visit (7-10 days), then a sling for comfort. If ligaments were repaired, a hinged elbow brace is worn for 6 weeks.
- Motion
- Elbow bending, straightening, and forearm rotation start right after the splint comes off. Goal: a functional arc (30° to 130°) by 6 weeks.
- Daily life
- Desk work often within 1–2 weeks. Lift only 1–2 lb until 6 weeks, then up to 5 lb until 8 weeks. No driving while taking narcotic pain medication.
- Activity
- Strengthening from 8 weeks; full release typically 3–4 months. Motion keeps improving for up to 6 months.
A general guide. Your restrictions and timeline may change based on what is found and done at surgery.
Risks & benefits
Benefits: Restoring the radial head and elbow stability gives the best chance of full, pain-free motion. Risks are uncommon and include infection, blood clots, elbow stiffness (common), the fixation failing or the bone not healing, an implant that loosens or does not fit well, elbow instability, temporary weakness lifting the wrist or fingers from nerve irritation, injury to nearby structures (such as nerves, blood vessels, or cartilage), stiffness, persistent pain, and the need for further surgery. These will be reviewed with you in detail before surgery.
Patient Surgical Information
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Before & after every surgery