Fracture of the radial head

Transcription

1 Fracture of the radial head Discharge advice following a break of the radial head / neck of your elbow. Information for you Follow us on Find us on Facebook at Visit our website: All our publications are available in other formats

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3 You have broken the end of a bone at your elbow. These fractures almost always heal well with time, so no routine follow-up is necessary. This fracture is stable and you can move the joint without causing damage. At first your elbow will feel stiff and painful, but it is important that you continue to move it, even if it hurts. Exercises are the best way to get better quicker. Movement improves function and stops stiffness. Pain and swelling can be eased with ice. Wrap the ice in a towel (to protect your skin) and apply to the sore area for minutes, three to four times a day, for the first 24 hours. Pain killers will also be helpful take them regularly following packet instructions. A collar and cuff / sling will have been applied for comfort. It is very important that you reduce the use of this support as your pain improves, to prevent your elbow stiffening. The aim is to stop wearing the support as soon as possible, ideally within three days. You may find that the first three to four days are the most painful. 3

4 The next one to two weeks will show more improvement, but certain activities may still be painful. After that, pain with continue to lessen and movement will continue to get better. Symptoms normally take three to six weeks to settle. Exercises ensure your quickest return to normal function. Exercises It is important to start exercises as soon as possible, for recovery and to regain normal function. Consider other parts of your arm, for example fingers, wrist and shoulder. There is nothing wrong with them so do not let them stiffen as well. Keep all parts moving. Exercises should be practiced every three to five minutes every hour. Better to do little and often, than once a day for a longer period. The elbow does four movements it turns your hand palm up and palm down. It can straighten and can bend so your hand touches your shoulder. 4

5 Do this times. Exercise one Exercise two 5

6 Gradually increase this movement It can take six weeks for this fracture to fully heal. During this time, do not stress the joint with heavy lifting or weight bearing. Do not return to contact sports until you are pain free with movement and at least six weeks after injury. Other sports can be done with caution and if pain free. Contact details If you have any concerns following your discharge please contact the Emergency Department Secretaries on: University Hospital Crosshouse / University Hospital Ayr NHS Inform 6

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8 All of our publications are available in different languages, larger print, braille (English only), audio tape or another format of your choice. Tha gach sgrìobhainn againn rim faotainn ann an diofar chànanan, clò nas motha, Braille (Beurla a-mhàin), teip claistinn no riochd eile a tha sibh airson a thaghadh Tell us what you think... If you would like to comment on any issues raised by this document, please complete this form and return it to: Communications Department, 28 Lister Street, University Hospital Crosshouse, Crosshouse KA2 0BB. You can also us at: comms@aaaht.scot.nhs.uk. If you provide your contact details, we will acknowledge your comments and pass them to the appropriate departments for a response. Name Address Comment Last reviewed: October 2018 Leaflet reference: ED CC/PIL