Fracture of the Radial Head

What is Radial Head Replacement?

Radial head replacement is a surgical procedure used to treat severe damage to the radial head, which is the rounded top portion of the radius bone in the forearm.

The radial head plays an important role in elbow function. It allows:

• Flexion and extension of the elbow (bending and straightening)
• Pronation and supination of the forearm (rotating the palm up and down)
• Stability of the elbow joint

When the radial head becomes severely damaged or fractured, it may not be possible to repair the bone. In these cases, the damaged bone is removed and replaced with a prosthetic implant that replicates the natural function of the radial head.

How Does Radial Head Replacement Become Necessary?

Radial head replacement is usually recommended when the radial head is severely damaged and cannot be repaired.

Common indications include:

Radial Head Fracture

Severe or comminuted fractures (where the bone breaks into multiple fragments) may require replacement if reconstruction is not possible.

Arthritis

Degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can damage the cartilage of the radial head, leading to pain and limited elbow movement.

Post-Traumatic Deformity

Previous fractures that heal incorrectly (malunion) or fail to heal (non-union) may cause elbow instability and pain.

Failed Radial Head Excision

If a previous radial head removal procedure results in ongoing instability or pain, replacement may be required.

Complex Elbow Instability

Radial head replacement may be necessary to restore stability to the elbow joint, especially after traumatic ligament injuries.

What Happens During Radial Head Replacement Surgery?

During radial head replacement surgery, the surgeon makes an incision on the outer side of the elbow.

The procedure typically involves:

Carefully exposing the elbow joint while protecting nearby nerves and blood vessels

Removing the damaged radial head

Inserting a prosthetic implant to replace the radial head

Inspecting the joint for additional damage

Removing any inflamed tissue or loose fragments if necessary

Closing the incision with sutures

The artificial radial head helps restore elbow stability and smooth joint movement.

What Are the Symptoms After Radial Head Replacement Surgery?

Immediately after surgery, patients may experience normal post-operative symptoms.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain around the elbow joint
• Swelling and inflammation
• Limited elbow movement
• Weakness in the arm
• Stiffness in the elbow

The elbow will usually be bandaged and supported with a sling, and patients are advised to keep the arm elevated to reduce swelling.

Driving and strenuous activities should be avoided until full and pain-free movement returns.

Physiotherapy After Radial Head Replacement

Physiotherapy is a critical part of recovery following radial head replacement surgery.

At ACE Physio Sports – Singapore, physiotherapists develop personalised rehabilitation programmes to help patients regain full function of the elbow and arm.

The main goals of physiotherapy include:

• Controlling pain and swelling
• Restoring elbow range of motion
• Strengthening surrounding muscles
• Improving coordination of the upper limb
• Supporting a safe return to daily activities

Early Stage Physiotherapy

During the early stages of recovery, treatment focuses on:

• Pain and swelling management
• Gentle mobility exercises
• Maintaining elbow movement
• Preventing joint stiffness

Early rehabilitation may include:

• Gentle range of motion exercises
• Light muscle activation exercises
• Exercises for the opposite arm to maintain balance and strength

Intermediate Stage Rehabilitation (Around 4 Weeks)

After the first month of rehabilitation, physiotherapy progresses to improving strength and flexibility.

Treatment may include:

• Strengthening exercises for elbow muscles
• Exercises to improve pronation and supination (forearm rotation)
• Mobility exercises for the elbow joint
• Strengthening exercises for the wrist, hand, and shoulder
• Functional training for everyday tasks

Gentle cardiovascular exercises may also be introduced to improve overall fitness.

Advanced Rehabilitation (Around 3 Months)

By approximately three months after surgery, most patients experience significant improvement.

At this stage, physiotherapy focuses on:

• Restoring full strength in the elbow and arm
• Improving endurance of upper limb muscles
• Enhancing joint stability
• Supporting return to work, hobbies, and sports

Exercises may include:

• Advanced strengthening exercises
• Functional movement training
• Cardiovascular conditioning
• Coordination and endurance training

What Should I Avoid After Radial Head Replacement?

During recovery, certain activities should be avoided to prevent complications.

Avoid:

• Lifting heavy objects
• High-impact sports
• Sudden elbow movements
• Ignoring pain during exercise
• Returning to sports too early

Following physiotherapy guidance is essential for successful recovery.

Can There Be Long-Term Effects?

Most patients recover well after radial head replacement when they follow a structured rehabilitation programme.

However, potential complications may include:

• Persistent elbow stiffness
• Reduced range of motion
• Implant loosening (rare)
• Elbow instability

Completing physiotherapy significantly improves long-term outcomes and helps restore normal elbow function.

Why Choose ACE Physio Sports

ACE Physio Sports – Singapore provides specialised physiotherapy for elbow injuries, fracture rehabilitation, and sports recovery.

Our physiotherapists create personalised rehabilitation programmes designed to restore strength, mobility, and upper limb function.

Patients benefit from:

• Experienced physiotherapists
• Personalised treatment plans
• Evidence-based rehabilitation techniques
• Sports and musculoskeletal specialists
• Modern physiotherapy facilities

Our East Coast Road clinic serves patients from nearby areas including:

• Marine Parade
• Katong
• Joo Chiat
• Siglap
• Bedok
• Telok Kurau

We help patients return safely to daily activities, work, and sports.

Book an Appointment

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