treatment
Last reviewed 01/2018
Adults - collar and cuff for three weeks. The patient should be encouraged to flex and extend the elbow as soon as pain permits. Lateral rotation should not be part of a rehabilitation program.
A severe fracture may require internal fixation, or excision of the radial head. The elbow is then splinted for 2 weeks and then the elbow is exercised.
Children - it is acceptable for up to 15 degrees of tilt. If the tilt is greater than this then reduction is necessary.
The head of the radius must never be removed in children because this will interfere with the synchronous growth of the ulna and radius.