Adial Head Fracture - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Adial head fracture is the most common broken elbow bone seen in adults. This type of fracture may result from a fall on the outstretched hand that forces the elbow into valgus. This will force the head of the radius against the capitulum. The outcome of the fall is age dependent. In adults the injury is likely to be the splitting and breaking of of the adiall head. In children it is more likely for the neck of the radius to fracture.

There is also likely to be bruising or chipping of the articular cartilage of the capitulum. This injury will cause painful rotation of the forearm and tenderness on the lateral side of the elbow. They are more frequent in women than in men and occur most often between 30 and 40 years of age. Approximately 10 percent of all elbow dislocations involve a fracture of the adial head. As the upper arm bone slides back into its appropriate place after the dislocation, it can chip off a piece of the adial head, resulting in a fracture.

Causes of Adial Head Fracture

Find common causes and risk factors of Adial Head Fracture:

• Obesity.
• History of bone or joint disease, especially osteoporosis.
• Poor nutrition, especially calcium deficiency.

Signs and Symptoms of Adial Head Fracture

Sign and symptoms may include the following :

• Swelling.
• Trouble bending or straightening the elbow.
• Pain on the thumb side of the elbow.
• 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).

Treatment for Adial Head Fracture

Treatment may include:

Treatment of adial head fractures depends on the appearance of the fracture on x-ray. Adial head fractures that are not badly displaced can be managed by splinting the elbow for a short period of time. You can then begin doing the rehabilitation exercises given to you by your provider. If you have a large type I fracture or a type II or III fracture, you will have to keep your arm from moving for a longer time. You may need to have your arm in a cast, splint, or sling. Sometimes surgery is needed. In some cases, even after the fracture heals, your elbow may feel stiff and you may not be able to fully straighten your elbow. Exercises will help you gain back as much range of motion and strength as possible. Your provider will tell you when you can begin elbow exercises.