Fractured Radial Head

What is a Radial Head Fracture?

The radius is one of the two long bones in the forearm, extending from the elbow to the thumb side of the wrist. The radial head is the rounded upper portion of the radius that sits just below the elbow joint and helps the elbow bend, straighten, and rotate.

A radial head fracture occurs when this part of the bone cracks or breaks. Because the radial head is involved in both elbow movement and forearm rotation, injuries in this area can significantly affect arm function.

Radial head fractures range from small cracks with minimal displacement to more complex fractures involving multiple bone fragments.

How Does a Radial Head Fracture Happen?

Radial head fractures most commonly occur due to sudden impact or trauma to the arm.

Common causes include:

• Falling onto an outstretched hand
• Direct impact to the elbow
• Sports injuries
• Cycling accidents
• Slips and falls
• Road traffic accidents

When a person falls and instinctively places their hand out to break the fall, the force travels up the forearm and can cause the radial head to absorb the impact and fracture.

What Are the Symptoms of a Radial Head Fracture?

Symptoms of a radial head fracture usually appear immediately after the injury.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain around the elbow joint
• Swelling or inflammation around the elbow
• Stiffness when bending or straightening the arm
• Weakness in the forearm or elbow
• Difficulty rotating the forearm
• Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand

Because the radial head contributes to forearm rotation, patients may notice difficulty turning the hand palm up or palm down.

What Should I Do If I Have a Radial Head Fracture?

A suspected radial head fracture requires immediate medical assessment.

If you believe you have fractured your radial head:

• Avoid moving or using the injured arm
• Support the arm with a sling
• Apply ice wrapped in a cloth for 15–20 minutes to reduce swelling
• Seek urgent medical care at a hospital or emergency department

Doctors usually confirm the diagnosis using X-rays to determine the severity and alignment of the fracture.

Treatment may include:

• Immobilisation with a cast or sling
• Pain management
• Surgical fixation if the fracture is displaced or unstable

Once the bone begins to heal, physiotherapy becomes essential for restoring elbow function.

Physiotherapy Treatment for a Radial Head Fracture

Physiotherapy plays a key role in restoring elbow mobility, strength, and normal arm function following a radial head fracture.

At ACE Physio Sports in Singapore, physiotherapists provide personalised rehabilitation programmes tailored to the stage of healing and the patient’s functional goals.

Physiotherapy treatment may include:

• Joint mobilisation techniques to improve elbow flexibility
• Range-of-motion exercises to restore elbow movement
• Strengthening exercises for the forearm and upper arm muscles
• Functional rehabilitation exercises to restore arm use in daily activities
• Soft tissue therapy to reduce muscle tightness
• Taping techniques to support joint stability
• Acupuncture or pain management techniques in selected cases

A structured physiotherapy programme helps prevent stiffness and promotes full recovery.

What Should I Avoid With a Radial Head Fracture?

If you suspect or have been diagnosed with a radial head fracture, certain activities should be avoided.

Patients should avoid:

• Moving or using the injured arm before medical assessment
• Lifting heavy objects
• Hot showers or baths during the early injury stage
• Heat rubs or massage around the fracture
• Alcohol consumption shortly after the injury

These actions may increase blood flow to the injured area and worsen swelling or internal bleeding.

Can There Be Long-Term Effects?

Most radial head fractures heal successfully with proper treatment and rehabilitation.

However, potential long-term effects may include:

• Reduced elbow range of motion
• Persistent stiffness
• Muscle weakness
• Elbow instability
• Post-surgical irritation from fixation hardware

Early physiotherapy and consistent rehabilitation significantly reduce the risk of these complications and improve long-term recovery.

Why Choose ACE Physio Sports

At ACE Physio Sports – Singapore, our physiotherapists specialise in orthopaedic rehabilitation, sports injuries, and post-fracture recovery.

Our clinic offers:

• Experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapists
• Personalised rehabilitation programmes
• Evidence-based physiotherapy treatments
• Structured recovery plans for elbow and upper limb injuries

Conveniently located near East Coast Road, we regularly treat patients from Marine Parade, Katong, Joo Chiat, Siglap, and Bedok.

Book an Appointment

To arrange an appointment, please call +65 81535374 or visit acephysiosport.com.