Question
Just got my driver’s license two days ago, so I decided to drive to work myself. On the way, I didn’t see the elderly lady riding her bike beside me, and she didn’t see me either, and we collided. I took her to the hospital for a check-up, and the doctor said she has a fracture of the radial head on the right side. How should a fracture of the radial head on the right side be treated?
Answer
The humeral head participates in the formation of the elbow joint, enabling rotational function. Therefore, a fracture of the humeral head is an intra-articular fracture. If there is no significant displacement, the fracture can be externally fixed with plaster for 4 to 6 weeks. After removing the plaster, functional exercises are enhanced. If there is significant displacement, an open reduction and internal fixation should be performed to restore anatomical relationships, allowing for early elbow movement and a good recovery of elbow flexion and forearm rotation function. Severe bone fractures can be removed.