Radial Head Fractures and Dislocations Questions & Answers

Updated: Dec 09, 2022
  • Author: Steven I Rabin, MD, FAAOS; Chief Editor: Thomas M DeBerardino, MD, FAAOS, FAOA  more...
  • Print
Questions & Answers

Overview

What are radial head fractures and dislocations?

What is the anatomy of the elbow joint relevant to radial head fractures and dislocations?

What is the pathophysiology of radial head fractures and dislocations?

What causes radial head fractures and dislocations?

What is the prevalence of radial head fractures and dislocations?

What is the prognosis of radial head fractures and dislocations?

Presentation

Which clinical history is characteristic of radial head fractures and dislocations?

What should be included in the physical exam of radial head fractures and dislocations?

Workup

What is the role of imaging studies in the diagnosis of radial head fractures and dislocations?

What is the role of joint aspiration and injection in the diagnosis of radial head fractures and dislocations?

Treatment

What is the goal of treatment for radial head fractures and dislocations?

What is the role of implants in the treatment of radial head fractures and dislocations?

What are the treatment options for radial head fractures and dislocations?

What is the role of closed reduction and casting in the treatment of radial head fractures and dislocations?

When is nonsurgical treatment indicated for radial head fractures?

How are radial head fractures classified?

How are of radial head fractures and dislocations treated in patients who are unable to undergo surgery?

When is surgery indicated for radial head fractures and dislocations?

What are Monteggia fractures and how are they classified and treated?

What are floating elbow injuries and how are they treated?

What preoperative planning is required for surgical treatment of radial head fractures and dislocations?

What is the initial approach to surgery for radial head fractures and dislocations?

What is the basis for surgery selection in radial head fractures and dislocations?

What are the options for fixation in the treatment of radial head fractures and dislocations?

How are radial head fractures and dislocations treated in children?

What is the role of excision in the treatment of radial head fractures?

When is replacement with a spacer indicated in the treatment of radial head fractures and dislocations?

What is the best treatment for Monteggia fracture-dislocations?

What is the treatment approach for unstable radial head fractures?

What is the treatment approach for elbow fracture-dislocations?

What are the early complications of radial head fractures and dislocations?

What are the late complications of radial head fractures and dislocations?

How are compartment syndrome and neurovascular injury managed after radial head fractures and dislocations?

How are infection and persistent pain managed after radial head fractures and dislocations?

How is nonunion after radial head fracture managed?

What are the treatment options for limited motion following radial head fractures and dislocations?

What is included in long-term monitoring of radial head fractures and dislocations?