Possible fractured radial head
(2 discussions)
I took a fall 2 days ago. I went to my doc within an hour and due to pain in my left arm, especially when rotating my hand, he ordered x-rays. He saw the x-rays & suspects a slight fracture of my radial head or possibly just a strain. He said treatment is the same for either and he will let me know tomorrow what the radiologist says. My questions are how long should I use a sling and when is it safe to begin exercising the arm?
2 comments
brenda riley
I fell and about 3 days later My elbow was swollen and it hurt to lift my arm or to turn my arm it was impossible to lift my arm and move my fingers. the Dr. in the ER thought it was an infection but blood count was fine so after viewing the xray he said he thought I had fractured my radial head and would need to wear a sling for three weeks. I asked about a cast and he said they never put a cast on a radial fracture. he also told me to be sure and take my arm out of the sling every day and use it but when I do it starts to swell and hurt very badly. is it normal not to use a splint or cast on elbow fracture?
Kevin
When I fractured my Radial head they started PT the very next day. Even before I had surgury to try to fix it they were tring to get my arm straight. It hurt like hell with screaming etc……. Yes they don’t like to cast it because it could cause more damage then it helps. It needs to be moved alot. After my surgury My arm was parilized for about 4 months, but they still did range of motion stuff on me. After the nerves regenerated I had a contraption I had to get made that was a sling for all fingers and thumb. I could grasp things but could not let them go so this is why they used this device. Make sure you get a GOOD therapist that specializes in hands. After months of painful therapy I now have full use on my arm and hand. It was hell trying to learn to do things with my other hand. Like simple things like feeding my self or wipping my sensored. things you take for granted until your dominate arm or hand are gone. Good luck…… and work hard like I did!