Question
A patient suffered a right radial head fracture due to a traffic accident. How should this condition be treated?
Answer
The radial head is located at the elbow joint, participating in forming the joint surface of the elbow and has a rotational function. Therefore, a radial head fracture is classified as an intra-articular fracture. The treatment method depends on the degree of displacement of the fracture. If there is no significant displacement, external fixation with a cast can be used to stabilize the fracture for 4 to 6 weeks. After the cast is removed, it is necessary to strengthen functional exercises. If there is significant displacement of the fracture, an open reduction and internal fixation surgery should be performed to restore the anatomical relationship, allowing the elbow joint to move as soon as possible and to recover the elbow flexion and forearm rotation function effectively. In some severe cases, it may be necessary to consider removing the fractured fragments.