What to expect after radial head fractures
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 18 ก.ย. 2018
- Fractures of the radius often occur in the part of the bone near the elbow, called the radial "head." Radial head fractures are common injuries, occurring in about 20% of all acute elbow injuries.
Visit www.joshuarichardsmd.com to find out more.
(Not sure all of my "terminology" will be correct in this) In June of 2008 I jumped off of a swing and completely broke the radial head right off! Had surgery 4 days later, but instead of putting screws and/or pins in, the surgeon just moved the bone back in the hopes that it would heal. After surgery and 2 weeks in a cast, 4 weeks of physical therapy occurred. Went back to the doctor, got an x ray and the elbow was still broken, I was told to go to a different doctor because he didn't know what else to do. After finding the right doctor, in September of 2008 I had my second surgery and the radial head was removed but nothing was put in because the surgeon wanted to wait until I stopped growing (I was 8 years old). Apparently the bone was so dead that it just kind of disintegrated. After surgery he told me he wanted to get my arm "functioning" just like the video mentioned with getting motion back. I went through 12 hours of therapy a day with a CPM machine and a JAZ brace (I believe that's what they were called) and had to be homeschooled for the first half of third grade. 2 weeks after surgery #2 I had a manipulation so the surgeon could see how much I would be able to move my arm. I was a soccer player and a dancer so I was determined to recover. With permission of course, my surgeon took pictures of my arm and used them as examples in his meetings to show my recovery process. I cannot straighten or bend my arm all the way, but all my surgeon wanted me to be able to do was eat a bowl of cereal and wash my hair in the shower, basic things to know that I can still do everything, which I can. I also don't have any strength in it but I think that's my fault! I have the option of going back and getting something put in to act as a bone, but I've lived basically 12 years without a radial head and I'm honestly fine. I call my left arm my Lucky Fin, just like Nemo. It's different than the other arm, or fin in Nemo's case, but it tells the story of how I overcame one of the worst experiences of my life. I never comment on TH-cam videos but I saw this as a cool opportunity to connect with people who will actually understand my story and maybe even relate to it!
How much weight are you able to lift with the hand
thanks for sharing i crushed my elbow it has been a nightmare
Just fractured mine. NHS in UK advice is to avoid forcible stretching. Have to say after seeing this vid I've been stretching mine and it feels easier already. Fractured mine 2 days ago.
Thank you! I fractured my radial head 3 weeks ago (no displacement) and I wish my fracture clinic doctors had told me even half of this. While they did encourage me to move it, they didn't explain anything or tell me it's better to push through the pain. I would always stop when it got too painful as I feared further damage. I have gotten a lot of range of motion back just through general use and stretches I found online (particularly this last week). But haven't been pushing it enough and it's definitely not quite back to normal. I'm determined not to lose range permanently so I will continue stretching a bit more "aggressively" and I wish I had known this from Day 1. This is a terrific video, thanks again.
Thereupon hello
How are you
I broke my elbow as will 6 weeks a go , but my doctor just told me that I should have moved it before
Do you think I will get my motion back?
I'm right where you where when you wrote this. 3 weeks tomorrow, and this was more informative than all of my doctor's visits combined! I'm starting a regiment right now, I hope I wasn't immobilized for too long.
i am in the same boat. it is has been three weeks since my last visit to the doctor and he encouraged me to move my elbow but did not explain anything shared on this video. he simply said you might loose 10% of your range of motion. i have been pushing to straighten my arms but for a few days now ive pushed harder. this video has given me courage to push through the pain. i am also determined to get my range of motion back.
I have discomfort moving it any way and I am aware that this is Blood. But what scares me is that I have really sharp pain and clicking when turning my Palm up (supinating wrist). Did this happen to you? They took off my splint only on week after the fracture.
@@durgurgurdur5880 i have the same sharp pain and clicking when i rotate my palm as well. It almost felt like it was more towards my wrist(the pain) i also had my splint removed 4 days after the fracture
Your video motivated me to get away from surgery. I had an enclosed fracture of the radial head. I had a cast on for a couple of days and met with a orthopedic afterwards. After he examined me, he asked me to make some motions (Up/down and palm facing up, palm facing down). I could not do that - too much pain that I almost fainted. He put me back on the cast and referred me to a surgeon who confirmed that surgery is needed, but he wanted to check in with me before. I was so terrified of surgery so I started looking at TH-cam and that is when I stumbled on your video 1 day before our first meeting (This is last week). So I took your advice and I decide to suck it up and push through the pain when I see him. So, in the morning, he grabbed my arm and started asking me to do some of those motions which I actually did in a very difficult manner. He then was surprise that The joints were very smooth and that there was no crunching or popping. He then administered another test (palm up/palm down) and could not hear/notice anything. He then said "I do no think you need surgery AT ALL". He referred me to OT and started my trainings 3 days ago. Right now, I have no cast, I can bend my arm, I can rotate my palm up and down (With pain but not as bad) and I can do my daily think without putting too much stress. I am so glad I stumbled upon your video. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
How is your elbow right now? Have you regained full range of motion?please reply as soon as possible
Thank you for the motivation of pushing through the pain. I hope you upload some more because you are a huge help!
So happy I saw this. Bike crash Saturday which resulted in Radial head fracture. Urgent care xrayed and said non displaced. Started movement immediately and now 72 hours later I have so much range of motion. I did visit my orthopedic doctor to be sure diagnosis was correct. It was and he said I’m well on my way to recovery. The difference between Saturday- today is a miracle!
How are you getting on after a month? I also started movement immediately and I’m now a week after the injury and have a pretty good range of motion. Was worried I have done too much too quickly as a lot of advice days not to push out etc. be great to hear your experience
@@AliGspot Had an X-ray last week at the 4 week mark. Almost completely healed. You will be amazed how quickly you heal. Don’t start trying to turn your palm up and down yet, they told me to start that at 3 weeks. I’m ok to lift light weights and I’ve been to spin class 3x a week since week 2. Dr said I will be free of restrictions in 2 more weeks. Hope you heal quickly!!!
I wouldn’t of trusted the urgent care enough to move my hand right away. I got into an accident with a scooter A couple of days ago, and when I went to urgent care, they told me my elbow was fine. But when I went to a different urgent care the next day, they took another x-ray and told me that my radial head was completely broken. The point is urgent care is good for just getting wounds cleaned and assessed, but don’t take what they say too seriously.
What a relief to find this video. Was splinted at ER and wait time to get into specialist is few weeks. My fracture wasn’t so bad so I’ve begun these exercises and already feel relief after being stiff in the splint.
The best most detail, the most informative doctor I’ve seen talking about this yet. Thank you.
This video is so helpful I've surgery tomorrow and even tho the docs have been great I still look for more info
Really appreciate this explanation, thank you!. Fractured both arms 10 days ago. I saw the ortho 1 week in, and he explained the importance of stretching but was dismissive of the pain I'm experiencing. It all felt very confusing. This makes much more sense now
I haven't been able to turn my wrist face palm up all the way since I was a kid and I never knew what the underlying cause could've been. This is the most informative video I've seen on it.
Thank you for specifying healing rates both for regular bone rates and your anecdote in what you have seen with your patients. This is useful for us PTs. Great video!
Thank you doctor! This is a very helpful video. My doctor just confirmed all of this for my specific break and it was wonderful to hear! Push through the pain!
Thank you for this informative video. My physiotherapist told me to start moving my arm from the first week but didn't clarify enough that I should push through the pain to do it. My arm was pretty stiff at the second week but now I push myself through the training even if it hurts (painkillers don't work).
You have made my day. Thank you
God bless you, You have given me so much optimism and courage to push through the bit of pain I have. Just diagnosed bilateral fractures. Funnily the one that’s dislocated is barely painful with full range of movement. 🙏🌹
This shit hurts a lot, this happened to me yesterday
I have come to take over ops comment.
Thank you so much for your video. It has given me great motivation to push through the pain and get movement back into my arm🙌🏻
This was very helpful to me !
I had a surgery in the elbow after fracturing my olecranon. Gosh I was so stiff after the surgery! I started moving my arm 1 week after. Now I'm at week 2 and I'm trying to bend more than 90° and extend more. I wish I had all this info before and I'm glad that I've found this video! Thanks
Thanks, Dr. Richards. Everything you said has been my experience. I also experienced the feeling of having to throw after my splint was removed. I took on the mindset of a professional athlete. When I did this, I was able to commit to physical therapy and push through the pain.
Thanks for this. Fractured my radial head 4 days ago and I was told by an orthopaedic doctor to take my arm through its range of motion as possible every day to prevent stiffness. But I think I'll try to move it a little more than that.
First ever TH-cam comment - said I would if it worked for me! Moved my non displaced radial head fracture arm from the day I fractured it through the pain everyday like every hour and it’s been 1 week and I think I have full movement back! Used like every stretch I could think of and find on google! Cant lift much but as the doc said I’m not gonna push it, just waiting game now but happy I can move it without pretty much any pain. This is just my personal story - this is not medical advice, see your doctor etc etc
WOW perfect. I had a mildly displaced radial head fracture which feels a lot better after one week, however your video was a big help in pushing past pain to straighten arm and flex arm using breath. THANK YOU... I would have never done that.
Video very helpful. Thanks Dr. Richard. The only other recommendation made by my orthopedic doctor was to wear an arm sling for 6 weeks. The arm does feel better when in the sling. Stretching is important.
Hi, I got this injury yesterday I've been put in plaster and get referred to fracture clinic, thank you for this very informative video Doctor! at least I know what to expect now , Thanks!
Thank you so much for taking the time to share these insights. This has given me a lot of peace of mind after a recent fracture! 🙏🏾
a tip : you can watch movies on KaldroStream. I've been using it for watching lots of of movies recently.
@Dwayne Kristopher Definitely, I've been using kaldroStream for months myself :D
I had this injury 3 weeks ago. Over the bars of my gravel bike. I wish my docs would have been this informative! Thank you Dr!
yeah same , over the bars 3 weeks ago, radial head fracture, Dr didn't say any pain no gain encouragement exercises, been TH-cam all the way :P
Thank you for this video, very helpful!
I can’t thank you enough for this video. Kaiser Permanente advised me to “gently start movement exercises“ following surgery, but it does not state in such clear terms, that if one does not recover the range of motion in the window of the critical week following surgery, one could have permanent loss of motion and function. I’m doing this now, only because I picked it up off this video
I literally fractured my arm yesterday and went today to the ER and they gave me a cast, going to an orthopedic surgeon tomorrow and I'm so happy I found this video
No way that’s exactly what happened to me, I broke my radial head and pieces, a.k.a. it’s shattered. Anyways I went and saw my orthopedic surgeon today and they said I don’t need plates and screws in my arm and next Thursday will be my surgery. How are you doing postop?
@@GreyMadison33 That's good that you don't need plates or screws because then the healing process would take longer. I'm doing a lot better, I try not to do anything too heavy but I almosf forgot I fractured it at this point
dancingshadow omg it auto corrected I just saw that 😂. I do have to get plates and screws 😭😭😭. Surgery is tomorrow!!!
@GreyMadison33 how everything turn out
THANK YOU SO MUCH for this helpful video!! I fractured my radial head 3 weeks ago (no displacement) and the ER doctor told me to do exercises every hour out of the sling but didn't specify which ones.
I started these exercises on the 3rd day pushing through pain. Now, at a follow up 3 weeks later in different hospital, doctor says my injury has healed very nicely, that I will regain full range of motion in the future and physio isn't required!
That's true Doc. Pushing through the pain Now😭😭😭
Just broke my radial head Saturday. Splint from ER is removed. Sling goes away this Saturday. Great advice in this video!
im 11 hours post op ... thanks for sharing ... this gives me determination and inspiration to reach my full recovery goal
Great video really gave me a good idea of what I'm in for tomorrow! Hoping to be back to work in 4 to 8 weeks!
Good to know, I have a 5 th metatarsal fracture on the same side(right) . I didn’t have a choice if I wanted to move. The radial head hurts worse than the metatarsal fracture. It’s only been a month and I’m in pain but I have range of motion. Obviously it’s stable but my foot guy is making me see and upper extremity guy, Jesus. I want it documented because I push and pull at work. Your video helped before my consultation, push through the pain... I hate being a patient. If this ever happens again, I’m going straight to hospice!
Super helpful. Fractured mine three days ago. Unsure if stable or not as my specialist referral takes 1-3 weeks!!!!! However I’d already started moving it a bit as it feels better that way. The sling kinda sucks and I’m not sure how necessary it is 24/7. I hope I’ll heal quick!
I fractured my radial head a week ago, I'm glad I found this so early as my main worry was the loss of mobility in the elbow. Thank you for the invaluable information!
@BPJ how r u? Do u have minimally displaced?
@BPJ what was your fracture bro?
Im just trying to straighten and bend it without pain
Fractured mine saw your video day I went to urgent care. I kept it splinted till I saw my doctor today 4 days later. He told me the same exact thing you are saying here. Keeping it splinted does more damage stiffness. I have been icing and stretching a little everyday. Now after seeing doctor and him saying it’s not that bad I’ll continue but more aggressively since he gave me the go ahead. Great video.
Fractured my radial head in december (8 months ago). Fully recovered now, some cracks in the morning. Was able to move around fairly efficiently 2 months in. Push ups still kinda get me.
Thanks doc! In your experience, will a full replacement last a lifetime or will it need to be redone at some point? Noticing more and more pain after 8 years or so now. Thx again
Thank you so much for this very interesting and helpful video! I'd have one question on the "slow down" phase: Are there some exercises one can do without harming the bone healing? Obviously not riding a bike but maybe some specific arm workout which does not put too much force on the radial head (and maybe even support the healing)? Thanks again!
Great video, very informative. I slipped on the ice yesterday and obtained a radial head fracture with definite step off. I currently have my arm immobilized and hope to be able to get in the Ortho surgeon immediately for evaluation. Nice to know ahead of time what I can expect. Thank you.
Tami Philbert just got that today how long did it take to heal?
Thank you very much, i also have the same situation my elbow was shattered & after surgery its been real stiff and when my doc said to do exercise & move it, i doubted him & thought he's bad doc coz he's telling me to move it but my bone hasn't grown back yet. But after listening to you i realized otherwise. 😳👍🏻
My child had a radial head fracture 5 years ago on his right arm. His right arm has never been the same. In fact, he is trying to use his left arm more now. Sometimes his shoulder hurts, and he can't put his hand flat. It changes the ability to play sports, write, type etc.... Pretty sad, because there isn't anything to fix it. I feel so badly about this. I wish we could find a fix.
This comment is to inspire those who went thru something similar as I. On august 26th 2020, i fell off the back of a work truck headfirst and caught myself with my arms. Now im a case that was the “disaster” he was talking about. I at the time was a 20 year old (M) and was quite athletic and healthy due to the nature of my job. Well i literally exploded my radial head, after nearly a month and a half of wearing a cast and going to the er and multiple doctors, it was decided by an orthopedic elbow (and arm/shoulder) specialist that i was going to need an implant to replace my elbow due to the nature of my fracture. At this point i had lost nearly all movement in half of my hand due to small shards of bones impaling the nerve that allows your hand to open and close. It is now 02/01/22 and i have nearly all movement back i mean my arms a little bit shorter, doesnt open ALL the way but does close all the way. I was unable to afford physical therapy and got it there on my own without much use of pain medications or anything else. My job did not pay for a single cent of anything. Im nowhere near done the road to recovery i have movement back and am still slowly getting my strength back. If i could do it, so can you, i promise its not a dead end its not the end somedays jt may feel like it but i promise you its not. If you’re my age and this happened im sure you’re very aware this same surgery will most likely need to take place again in your mid 40’s to early 50’s due to implants only lasting so long.
I have just been through a similar operation (the disaster!) My arm was in a cast from day one. Surgery after two weeks and then a further three weeks with the arm in a cast. It's been a week since I took the cast off and I'm so glad I found this video!! At first I had no movement at all in my arm or wrist. I have started stretching together with my physiotherapist. My goal is to reach full mobility and not let the pain stop me. Right now I'm just a little afraid that I'll stretch too hard and it will affect the healing of my arm. According to my doctor's instructions, I am not allowed to carry anything heavier than 0.5 kg. My stretching puts a significantly greater strain on the arm than 0.5 kg. Thanks for your inspiration.
@@Booobie2000 how is your elbow now? Full range of motion back? Pronation and supination?
I fractured radial head +torn ligaments, had a surgery plate and screws, it has been 2,5 months after operation, haven't got the full extension yet, but I'm working on it
Great video and thanks for sharing! I went to the ER yesterday and found out I have a radial neck fracture and I won’t seeing an orthopedic surgeon until later in the week. Your thorough description of the injury and the healing process has put me much more ease.
Hey how’s your elbow right now? Im going through the same thing
@@shilgakuruvilla4944 Hi. It’s perfectly fine - thanks for asking. In all honesty this healed pretty quickly (8-12 weeks) and I was completely back to normal.
Did you went through a surgery?
super helpful thank you, waited 2 weeks to start moving it; hoping have a full recovery of movement.
How’s it going?
I split my radial head and luckily got all my mobility back, but I am surprised how much my elbow still hurts a year later, I thought it would be 100% by now. Feels like a constant sprain ( sore, tight, weak, etc).
I have spondylitis setting up in mine I'm starting excercise with putty and flexing mines a closed fracture so I have alot of hard work ahead of me the next few weeks
Followed what this Doc said and a week later range of motion is nearly 100% and nearly no pain. No realistic chance of getting to see a specialist within a couple of days on NHS so after initial x ray confirmed hairline fracture I took a chance and it paid off. Saw a specialist today 10 days after fracture who said keep doing what your doing and be on your way. I owe you a pint Doc.
Hi please, tell me how much Time need exactly to heal completely coz I have 6 weeks and I still can’t back to gym, thank you
@@zizoufit5408 it can take around 2 months. Stay well away from any heavy lifting during that time.
Thanks. Very informative
same they said mine was to crushed to put screws and plates in. two weeks after surgery they take the cast off which was today. the Doctor only told me he had remove some of the bone. I can not completely straighten my arm...
I fractured my radial head a week ago. It's a small crack with minimal displacement. The nurse put me in a splint and sling, and I wont be able to see an orthopedic surgeon for another week! I've decided to take off the sling and start doing these stretches since I cant afford to lose my ROM. Thank you for the info provided in this video.
How is the rom going now? Just broke mine 4 days ago and in a splint but I'd really rather take it off and start this bc my arm hurts worse in the splint
Thanks doctor Richards. I had surgery with radial head replacement in April - 1 week after my injury. Awful pain, as it was a comminuted fracture with radial head displacement (Walking my dog and tripped landing prone on my flexed elbow under me!!). I am so grateful to have gotten in so quickly in the ER here in Oregon, (Thanks to COVID - 19 honestly) and referred to an Ortho surgeon that specializes in shoulders, elbows and wrists. This explanation is very interesting as I hadn't considered someone with a non-displaced radial head fx might actually not have very much pain and what the goals would look like as it is very different from my "disaster". Great instructional and educational video. Still in PT, working on full extension and nearly back to normal supination right now.
How r you now.? Did u achieve full ROM flex... extension... Pro n supination
Hello Julia, how are you doing now? Am also had radial head replacement surgery, please if possible reply 🙏🙏🙏
I had a stable fracture. It was about 5 months ago. I'm back to about 90 percent mobility. But getting better every day
great info Doc! thanks!
I fell over last month landing on my hand and hurt my arm, rang the non-emergency number and they said just to take painkillers and use ice, didn't advise me to go in for an x-ray or anything. The main issue I found was turning the arm and when researching sprains etc to try and figure out what what was wrong - nothing mentioned this as a symptom. A month later I find out about radial head fractures and sounds exactly like what I did! Luckily I think I did everything right - tried to live as normal, my boyfriend didn't take my pain seriously and encouraged me to "power through" with movements that were hard, only a few hours after the fall I asked him to help me put my coat on and he yanked my arm and bent it causing me to yelp then cry with the pain. I was annoyed at him and now a month later, he is probably to thank for the fact my arm feels basically normal (besides picking up super heavy objects). Feeling very lucky now
Thank you! Just got out of emerg with a fractured elbow. Appreciate you telling me how to look after it - have done as suggested, pushed through pain slowly and already my range of motion is coming back on day 1. Hardly hurts. Stable fracture, thankfully.
How is it now?
@@meowkat1898 It's doing great, thanks for asking :) I have total range of motion, it no longer hurts unless I put too much pressure on it, but seriously, this video saved me weeks of physiotherapy. :)
@@BackontheBayou tq so much for answering. I just had mine surgery done. Almost 3 weeks now and I have been doing various exercises and house chores. Now my arm isn't straight but almost getting there. I tried this exercise just now and without pressure it already starts to hurt 😂😅 I'm still going to do it and hope to get back to normal. I hope you get full rage of motion. Tq
@@meowkat1898 You are so welcome :) I am sorry you're going through all that. I avoided it by very fortuitously finding this video and doing it right away... took the sling off and got on with it. It hurt like hell but once it was straight it was soooo much better. I have almost totally full range of motion now, so I am counting my blessings hearing your story. Really hope this works for you too. Best :)
Hello there😊it's me. I have been doing this exercise as well going to physiotherapy. And I have to say, my arm is straight now. I am so happy to see my arm straight again. The only problem is that I can't rotate my arm. But still I'm doing all I could to get full motion back. I'm so happy as I write this comment. I hope you too get full motion back. God bless you🙏
Thank you Joshua.
Just broken mine 10 days ago. and I was not advised about push hard against the pain.
Two days after your video, i'm starting to see some motion back.
I’ll came back here in few weeks to inform the progress 😉
Hello ! Please how is your amplitude now ? 😉😉
How is your range of motion? How long after the break did you go back to normal??
any update im on by 15'th day?
I had a distal fracture near the elbow and my doctor was very vague. He said something about movement after taking the splint off and not lifting more than 2 lbs. I can use computer and eat. He didn't mention exercises and I wish I asked since I just took it very easy and used a sling with going out to avoid banging it up. My lesson is to ask more questions and not let the doctor get away with minimal time. My hip was hurt and he didn't even bother looking at x-rays from the ER until I asked.
Pushing through the pain is not always the best solution,step by step a little bit is good,but not too stronh.I had a replacement of the radial head 14.10.2021,right know 7th week of rehabilitation (3 times a week) + excercises at home.At the moment I don't have the full motion.About 15-20 degrees is missing.I think this is an individual situation and depends on the person.Some of us are stiff and need more time to recover from,some of us are recovering faster.
This was great information. It makes me wonder though if I should have gone beyond seeing an orthopedic surgeon. I wanted to make sure my arm would straighten again so I was faithful with my exercises and physical therapy. He was very happy with my healing and movement after 2 months, and again at 6 months. At 1.5 years later, I have severe sharp pain when I try to wring out a washcloth, along with an occasional catch & snap when I straighten the arm. Is this normal and something I just have to live with?
Hubby hospitalized with unrelated problem after a fall, found the radial head non displaced fracture, sugar tong splint applied in ED, admitted, but was told he was to have another X-ray and be seen by ortho in one week. Still in hospital and one week came and went, and I kept asking about the consultation but there was never a follow up: they never got the consult or the X-ray but sent him to a rehab facility, and now its been another 10 days still in the sugar tong splint and won't get to see an ortho doc until next week!!!!!!
Dear Dr. Richards, thank you so much for taking the time to publish this video and for your valuable insight. I recently had a radial fracture and an ortho surgeon removed the splint completely and told me what you just confirm in this video. Your explanation is obviously more in-depth, I thank you for that. Many blessings.
Thank you doctor
Very helpful, thanks.
I broke my radial head 4 weeks ago, comminuted fracture in 5 pieces! 30% displaced. On the cusp for needing surgery (due to it being in many pieces that would mean radial head replacement). We opted to try without surgery first. Started mobility on day 4 and very quickly gained ROM. I have 100% flexion, and 100% extension with my palm up. 95% extension with my palm facing down, but still working at it. All this after an epicondylectomy (tennis elbow surgery) on the same elbow 10 months ago. Same surgeon had me start mobility/physical therapy the very next morning after that surgery! I was 100% and lifting weights again before this fall (just walking down the sidewalk). Really hope my elbow goes back to feeling normal (again). This has been so frustrating!
My doctor said moving it can actually push the displaced bones back into place. CrAzY to think about when you are pushing thru the pain, but I did it.
Thank you so much for sharing this you explained it so well I'm no longer scared and I understand why my orthopedic doctor is doing what they're doing. Sincerely Maureen Ramage
Thank you. People like yourself should have million views. Not the goofy bloggers
He isn't joking when he said it may not hurt bad. I had a mountain bike crash 8 weeks ago falling on an outstretched arm. It didn't hurt really bad so I nursed it and Iced it myself. I continued to go on this 3,000 mile road/camping trip after 2 days of keeping it mostly immobile on ice. I was very aggressive in using the arm again but 8 weeks later I am unable to straighten my arm and have just barely started to touch my shoulders. Each week I get more range of motion but went in for an x-ray and saw it for myself. "Minimally displaced radial head fracture" and I wonder if I made it worse by working my arm so much. But the pain was never extremely high. No worse than an ankle sprain. I only took alleve or advil for about 2 weeks and haven't needed it since. I'm definitely freaked out now about possible surgery or the next steps but this video and comments definitely helped calm down my nerves a bit. I've never broken a bone and was always told it would hurt so bad I wouldn't be able to move. However, I'm here to tell you that it may just feel like a bruise.
So from what this video says I either helped myself or hurt myself by continuing to use my arm, being careful not to do anything that caused pain but making sure I was constantly trying to gently push past the limit and open up the range of motion for weeks.
I was driving a stick shift, carrying heavy boxes (using mostly the opposite arm and keeping the injured arm stable as a dead hand), doing photo shoots with fairly heavy dslr cameras, driving, setting up and tearing down camp, and more.
Now I'm dreading calling a surgeon tomorrow after seeing this chunk of bone all jacked up hoping to God I'm not in for another several weeks of recovery time.
How did it go?
I've had the same radial fracture near elbow on both arms almost 2 weeks ago from a biking accident. Landing on extended arms.
I am pain free now on both arms and I can move them and use them to carry light stuff. Not sure If I should be carrying anything though or if I should just try not to use my arms for anything.
What did your doctor say about using your arms and did you get any adive? Also how is your progress now?
@@rickarda9232 I have bilaterial broken elbows too. I fell rollerblading down a hill. Extended open arms falling backwards. Left radial head fracture and right impacted radial neck fracture.
They casted both arm's in the ER and double slingged me (joyest 😊) about 5 days later I went to see hand, upper and upper limb surgeon. He said both are stable doesn't think surgery is required. Early ROM. Cut casts off, gave me a cuff and collars. No pain, no gain.
I am 3 weeks post fall. First couple weeks sucked big time. No arms suck! But I'm gaining mobility better then i was when the casts first came off. I cannot fully extend unless forced and that hurts. Twisting hurts, cannot fully turn palm over too roof especially in right arm. Left arm can't touch my shoulder or fully straighten although was nore swollen then my right. Anything with weight, pulling or pressure, it hurts. And sometimes cant tell if its a good hurt or a bad one. After use of arms they feel exhausted. How did you make out with everything? How was your progress?
@@malisam6711 Hello. Well that sucks. Same deal I had to go through.
My arms are just about fully recovered. This is now over 7 months post my fractures.
I had the same deal as you not being able to turn palms and pressure hurting.
My rehab started slowly a moth or so post with ligh resistance rubber bands just to get alot of blood flowing in the area. Also light grippers with many reps to get blood flowing. Obviously you shouldn't do excercises that hurts. But for me hammerbicep curls and grippers didn't hurt. And I was able to get a good "pump" which I believe helps promotes healing.
Pressing movements like pushups took the longest to regain, as it puts the most pressure on the fractures. I was able to start doing pushups from my knees after maybe 3 months or so. Then myabe 4 months to do pushups from my toes regular ones. Then after that I just started doing my regular "gymbro" workouts but with regular weights but lighter working my way up. Pretty much back to full strength now. Only thing that hurts abit is tricep extensor movements. And I go lighter on those.
Also during recovery I practiced extending the arm, every day. Forcing abit. Doctors recomends doing this to regain full mobility.
Also made sure my nutrition was on point, getting all the vitamins and minerals. Abit extra milk since I thought some extra vit d and calcium would promote healing, maybe it did.
Your fractures may be more severe than mines I cannot know. But this is only what I did and it worked for me. :-)
@@rickarda9232 how long after your fracture were u able to do hammerhead curls? I recently fractured my radial head and Dr said it's all in line. I was working out everyday before this happened, so I'm wondering how soon I could at least get back to it even if it's w light weights. Thx
@@vonbehrhardt9374 I started everything with excercise rubber bands. Start with some lights bands just to feel it out. If it doesn't hurt you can probably do it. It was good for me. Do alot of reps to get bloodflow in the area. I started with the bands then some weeks after very light weights.
Hardest was tricep extension excersises. It felt in my elbows the most for sure. Or anything pressing. I did the same thing there started with very light rubber bands tons of reps for blood flow. But be more careful here as it affects the fracture area more. I started this at a later stage.
I'd say in general, go by feel, if something hurts alot don't do it. But it's a balance act.
I have some clicking in my elbows now I think 7-8 months later, but the strength is almost 100% back. Even benching 275 lbs again without feeling it too much. I think a couple of months more I will not feel it anything. But maybe the clicking will always be there now due to scarr tissue or something in the joint.
I wish I had found this weeks ago. I fractured my radial head to the point it was replaced. People in the hospital said don't move until you talk to the surgeon. I saw him 2 weeks post surgery and got onto physio the same day. I'm in pain and I've lost so much movement. I'm devastated to learn I could have had my motion back if I knew about it first up. I'm now facing more surgery as I'm not making much progress.
This video was very informative. Thank you
Hi Annelise
How are you doing now?
I fractured my radial head ten weeks ago...had to have surgery(replacement)and its been up and down,some days arm feels good other days there is pain and real tightness.I also have shoulder pain from my injury so not sure if ligament has torn...
I exercise every day but still can't touch my shoulder and strength is somewhat diminished on hand!
Was told could take from 3 to 6 months for healing so we'll see🤔
@@lula19_21 Hi Lula, I'm sorry to hear, I'm having a similar experience. I feel for you!
I found out that I fractured the opposite shoulder and burst one bicep, and have a whole heap of tears. I think I have some damage in the shoulder above the now repaired elbow. I won't know about further surgery until my review in 3 weeks (bites nails anxiously).
I'm doing my exercises and am able to touch my face now but I've got a long way to go.
It sounds like you're doing all the right things. Please look after yourself xx thank you for asking after me. It means a lot. I hope your recovery keeps getting better
@@annelisestarhope9334 Thanks for your reply Annelise, sorry about your other shoulder and bicep but sounds like we're on the right track !I see my surgeon early March as it will be a six month check up since my surgery.
All the best to you too and let's hope all will be well😊
Listen to this man. My first orthopedic surgeon did not stress enough how important it was to push through the pain. I broke my radial head skating about 3 1/2 weeks ago and within 2 weeks I was able to completely regain my ROM with at home PT. Went to my first PT session and they told me I don't even need it since I stretched it early. However you shouldn't take it out of your splint unless you know that your radial head wasn't displaced or shattered. If your fracture is bad and you try this you could make it worse , so wait until you get your x-rays. My fracture was just two cracks and minimaly displaced. I'm not even a month into this break and I have complete ROM with mild discomfort when I stretch it, and I'm sure it will go away soon. Very glad I found this video and others showing good at home PT. My 2nd OS explained it to me that the blood can pretty much form a strong scab like clot in your joint that makes it harder to move, so the sooner you get it back the better.
I have discomfort moving it any way and I am aware that this is Blood. But what scares me is that I have really sharp pain and clicking when turning my Palm up (supinating wrist). Did this happen to you? They took off my splint only on week after the fracture.
@@durgurgurdur5880 Sorry I just saw this. However, that happened to me too when I rotated my wrist. It still causes me discomfort if I turn it while my arm is fully extended, but most days it doesn't bother me anymore. Definitely get lots of clicks on my elbow now as well.
I did mine 2 years ago (Sept 2019) and I have pretty much full motion back but I get a lot of clicks, pretty much all the time if I move it in a particular way. The problem for me is my hand seems to have been affected (possibly undiagnosed) and I lost all fine motor coordination. It's really sad and depressing :-(.
2 days ago I was pushed out of the air while going for a layup in a school basketball game. Landed on my arm and fractured my radial head. Got X-ray and they said that the bone broke in a very good position. After 2 days of doing some exercises for range of motion I have already gotten quite a bit back. However, provincials are in five weeks for basketball and without me my teams chances of winning fall drastically. Is there any chance I will be able to play?
@@blazemkds damn man I’m sorry to hear that. I just shattered my radial head 4 weeks ago. Was there any symptoms prior to losing your coodniation in in your hand?
I just had a surgery for this injury 2 weeks ago with some screws and plates and now am trying to seek movement in my right elbow !! And mine are broken in a few pieces by the way..your video helps a lot. I will do my best to exercise my arm ... but how do I improve my pronation of my arm, what sort of exercises should I do doc?
Thank you for this Doc.
I currently have a radial head fracture that I got a week ago. Your video was very informative and helped me learn a lot about this injury. Thank you.
Hey Chris, I got mine 4 days ago, partial support cast along with a sling for support. Can you tell me what was your experience and how long it'll take to heal?
@@ayushvyas3401 everybody’s different but mine took about six or seven weeks. I only missed a week of work because I was put in light duty. They didn’t have me wear a sling or cast because they wanted me to still bend my elbow,even if it hurt a bit,so I wouldn’t lose range of motion. They just restricted how much weight I could lift with that arm. Again everybody heals different. I wish you a speedy recovery and I guess welcome to the radial cap fracture club.
@@chrish5018 I've a cast on, does that mean I'll lose my range of motion? I am told to keep the cast for 25 days.
@@ayushvyas3401 mine was a non displaced fracture so I didn’t need a cast. Yours might be a displaced fracture In not sure. Im assuming they’ll do physical therapy after the cast comes off so you don’t have to worry about any range of motion loss.
@@chrish5018 it's non displaced as well, I just hope I don't lose much range of motion permanently due to the fracture. My life has literally just started 😥
I broke my Radial when I was 15, I’m now 27 and I can’t rotate my wrist.
I was really wondering if I could get it back now.
I fractured my radial head 5 weeks ago. I went today for my 5 week follow up and its fully healed. Mine only took about 5 weeks to heal. I still have some lingering tissue pain but I was told that will go away on its own. The key is to rest it as much as possible post injury and do the range of motion exercises.
how quickly did you start ROM exercises?
I fell onto my elbow about a month ago, I was in complete agony and rushed for ice at first, I noticed some swelling but just went to bed thinking it was a muscular injury. I woke up next morning feeling tired, I couldn't straighten my arm or turn my wrist at all. I left it for the day and was trying to forcefully move it until it was just so painful I booked an appointment to get it checked just in case. About 8 hours later, I was in the local clinic, they observed the elbow and could see that something was damaged as I couldn't straighten my elbow with all the swelling. I had an X-Ray which was difficult to perform as I couldn't put my arm in a position for a good X-Ray. About 30 mins later I got the results - a Radial Head Fracture!. I was given a sling (white I only wore about 3 days) and got on with my life as my arm felt fine in 2 weeks, no pain after that, just the amount of weightlifting that arm has lost!
How are you now!? You can lift weight coz i have the same fracture...thnx
Great advice. Broke BOth arms. It’s been a nightmare. Will just push through. It’s baseball season and it’s make uniforms. Argh!! Pray for me people!
Me watching this with a cast on.🤔
same here, cast two weeks ago.... i fell on my bike landed on my right elbow
@@edwinbeltran2677 arm is doing better so don't worry about it
@@tonyros9149 yeah during my first visit to the doctor I'm really worried and distressed that it might have an long term effect on my body. Its my third visit now, the doctor said he will remove my cast 2 weeks from now.
same, fell of my longboard over my right arm yesterday, got a cast, they said three weeks with it but I gotta see an specialist next monday.
@@Zkay360 Got mine skateboarding. I'm almost at a 100%.
I fell a week ago and the emergency room doctor said I have a radial head fracture. It’s very painful (admittedly I’m a big baby for pain), I’m on Tylenol all the time. They referred me to an orthopaedic surgeon, he gave me an appointment two weeks from now. I’m completely freaking out because I’m concerned that I may do things now that will cause problems later on. It hurts and I don’t like pain, so I don’t move my arm at all, it’s in a sling 24/7. My intuition is that I should at least be doing some gentle movement to not let my arm freeze up. The kicker in all this is that I work as a massage therapist - I’ve had to close my business indefinitely. Ouch!
You are absolutely right . In IR you get treated by residents that has no visdom in this and just blindly follow protocol . Best thing would be to demand for one of those modern braces with a joint right away. So you could start doing this on your own , because If you get a full cast , you're out of luck .
great video
Saved me another $250 visit to the orthopedic lmao
very useful info thank you
Several weeks ago I fell off my bicycle and landed on my elbow. I had a hard time moving my arm.but I iced it for several days. I got a lot better as days and weeks past. I had full range of motion with some discomfort...I finally went to a Dr , after a few weeks during this pandemic. I could not fully straighten my arm He x rayed and found I fractured my radial head (ouch). He recommended that I should go to PT. I have been still bicycling riding and doing stretching exercises that I found on the internet. This Dr above gave a great summary of this injury. Still cannot do push-ups yet . The morale is I should have went to the doctor sooner
hey same here... it’s been 2 months and still discomforting... you think this will heal eventually?
@@mendellauron1614 I have pretty good movement now but I still can't straighten out my arm. Going on 4 months.. It may take awhile as I read what others are saying.. Always keep your arm moving to prevent stiffness is my advise
@@abekestenbaum2795 i see.. it’s really discomforting... will do some excercises.. thank you and keep me posted
@@mendellauron1614 Hi
My arm is still not fully straight after 4 months.. I can move my arm fairly well but with some discomfort not terrible. In one of the other videos, they recommended a plastic splint which I purchased from amazon. Its comfortable but I am not sure if its doing anything to straighten my elbow, Time will tell
@@abekestenbaum2795 I believe we have the same case here. I also fell off from biking when two dogs came chasing after me 😅. So terrible! I’m doing my PT now. The doctor said it will heal eventually after 3 months or so depending on your age. Hopefully 🙏🏽. It’s been 3 months for me since the incident. I still can’t straightened my arm but it’s doing fairly well with some discomforts.
Wish I would of seen this video a couple weeks ago when I could not find an Orthopedic to see me within first few weeks of my radial head fracture.
i have a small radial head fracture no displacement and ive only had it 1 day and it feels really wrong to try and straighten it out
How do you know when it's completely healed and when you can resume normal exercise. I'm a cyclist
I just had a right elbow fracture 3 days ago. Didn't require a cast. Saw the orthopedic surgeon yesterday and gave me exactly the same advice. I was scared because it was hurting alot. But even after doing this for a day its feeling much better. I think I wasn't being aggressive enough. Thank you so much. Great advice.
Mine happened on June 12th pretty, painful the day it happened but I keep getting mobility back and am able to straighten my elbow more and more daily and lift more and more too I was biking home and bailed instead of getting hit and hit the ground used my wrist to hit, the ground and fractured my elbow but as he said it didn't break it just cracked
Fractured mine a week ago (03.07.20)..cast came off today and I've started rehab now using the exercises on this video... Elbow feels stiff but I'll work through it to get ROM back.... Ps I've also purchased a powerball which I am hoping will aid rehab. 💪
@@edhunt8398 why is there a cast for the elbow everyone said not to use one it stiffens the elbow if you fractured your wrist than they have to
Been 6 months now. Healed great. Was able to get back to the gym lifting weight in about 3 months. Stretch it early. Take bone growth and joint vitamins/Supplements. Stay off nicotine for the first 2 months if you're a smoker, it will inflame it and slow the healing process. But above all stretch early. You don't want to lose full ROM.
2 years later after my injury I'm still having pain off and on.. my elbow didn't heal correctly when it's stretched out you can see the difference in the angle.. I'll add it on my VA claim when I retire amongst other issues documented.
I finally got an MRI over 5 months after the fracture. X-rays consistently and doctors said it was healing until a recent one show the fracture still remained. I was getting better around 2 months until it got worse again, the mri revealed the fracture remained, bad cartilage damage, and bone chips. The doctor said they’re not sure if surgical options will fix my pain and discomfort. I guess I’m managing until I can actually find a fix.
How are you now,sir
Coz i have same ((
I broke my radial head and got it screwed together, had 3 ligaments repaired and had a piece of my humerous break off. Got put in a moveable custom splint straight after op. Got told I would never have my arm straight again. 3 months in and my arm is straight and hitting the gym to get full strength back. Still got a bit of soreness from the ligaments but if you are determined and keep moving it you can get it to normal. My doctor said don't force it with your other arm just move it as far as you possibly can with your mind and use heat packs you'll feel it burn and just keep doing that as much as possible and you'll notice how far you'll get it if you put the work in I've seen people not move it or it get put in a cast and they can only get there arm to 20 degrees and that's it for the rest of there life
how much time your cast was there after screw surgery?
Great video and advice!
8 Weeks ago today I fractured the radius with a 2mm displacement so the process has been a bit slow for me. Currently missing a few degrees with a full straighten and a handful more pulling towards my body. Twisting the wrist has been the hardest part but as the days go by a get closer to my recovery goal. Thinking of being just a little more aggressive with the stretching and fighting the pain with some extra stubbornness will help. Appreciate the information and delivery~
I have the same injury (radial head )with 2 mm displacement i had it before 20 and the doctor told me that i need to put the cast for 21to 25 days is it the thing happened to you ?? And how long toke you to fully recover
I had a terrible triad injury more than a month ago, got a radial head replacement and had my coronoid fixed. My arm was fixed in place until last week and now I am supposed to train flexion and extension. Currently I can do maybe 20 degrees. This doesn't sound like aggressive early motion to me. Is it applicable to this type of injury or is that why this injury is called terrible in the first place? The surgeon hardly tells me anything...
can we drive? i just need some advice. thank you
How quickly after a nondisplaced elbow (stable) fracture can you start these mobilization exercises? Such an invaluable video, thank you.
are u hurt too lol
@@joeo1924 not me, hubby... fell of his offroad motorbike... I am a runner and sport enthusiast so with that comes all aches and pains, just making sure I know the best route to go to avoid any further complications :)