By restoring the normal shape of the radial head, doctors hope to prevent painful post-traumatic arthritis and stiffness. The screws give stability to the broken bone so that the elbow can start moving in physical therapy without concern that the break will get worse. When the bone fragment is bigger (at least 1/3 of the radial head) and it has moved more than 2 mm out of position (Mason Type 2 injury) surgery is sometimes recommended (but this is controversial: see outcomes section).Ī small screw is used to put the bone fragment back into position. In this case, the small chip of bone is removed so the elbow can rotate normally. Surgery is only really considered in these smaller breaks if a bone fragment somehow gets wedged in a position that blocks the elbow from its normal motion. People should begin moving the elbow within the next few days to prevent stiffness. If the crack is a little bigger bigger but the broken fragment is still small (less than 1/3 of the whole radial head) than it typically heals well with just a sling, even if this small fragment moves out of position. If its just a hairline crack in the bone (aka Mason Type 1 injury), then only a sling is needed to provide comfort. The goal of all treatment options is to prevent long term pain and stiffness. Treatment depends on the severity of the break (as seen on x-ray). Its also important for a doctor to check the wrist for signs of additional injury (like a broken bone) because the forearm bones make up both the elbow and the wrist joint. Because this type of injury is often associated with other injuries, doctors will carefully check the ligament stability of the elbow to ensure the elbow is not loose and that it doesn’t dislocate. Mason 1 is a hairline crack (the broken bone fragment doesnt move), Mason 2 the bone fragment moves >2 mm out of position, and Mason 3 is multiple breaks. These x-rays are used to classify the injury as a "Mason Type 1, 2, or 3". When a broken elbow is suspected, doctors will order x-rays, which will provide the diagnosis (and also will show how severe the break is). Oftentimes the elbow is bruised and/or swollen. Doctors will notice tenderness along the outside of the elbow, and pain when moving the elbow. People will report limited motion in their elbow, and pain when twisting their forearm (like opening a doorknob). How is a Radial Head Fracture diagnosed? Diagnosis of this injury starts when a person reports elbow pain after an injury (usually a fall).
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