Radial Head Fracture: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Radial Head Fracture?
An orthopedic surgeon, a doctor who treats bones and joints, usually treats a radial head fracture. Some fractures need surgery, and a physical therapist, an expert in exercise and movement, can help you regain motion. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is a radial head fracture?
A radial head fracture is a break in the top end of the radius, one of the two bones in your forearm. The radius runs from your elbow to your wrist.
Radial head fractures are common, making up about 20% of all acute elbow injuries. They happen more often in women than in men, and they are more likely in people between 30 and 40 years of age.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of a radial head fracture are:
- Pain on the outside of the elbow.
- Swelling in the elbow joint.
- Pain and trouble bending or straightening the elbow.
- Trouble turning the forearm, from palm up to palm down or the other way.
You may have pain and swelling for 1 to 2 weeks.
Causes and who gets it
A fall is a common way to get this injury. When you try to break a fall with your hands, the force can travel up your forearm bones. That force could dislocate your elbow. It could also break one or both of the bones in your forearm. The most common cause is falling with an outstretched arm.
How doctors diagnose it
Doctors sort these fractures by how far the bones have moved out of their normal position and by how many pieces there are. A small crack may not show on an X-ray taken at the time of the injury. It can usually be seen if the X-ray is taken a few weeks after the injury. You will likely have a follow-up exam 1 to 3 weeks after your injury.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type of fracture. Type I fractures are small cracks, and the bone pieces stay fitted together. Treatment does not need surgery. It means gently moving the elbow and wrist early, as pain allows. A sling or splint is not usually needed beyond the first few days, if at all.
Type II fractures are slightly displaced, which means a larger piece of bone has moved a little. If it has moved only a little, you may wear a sling for a short time and then do range-of-motion exercises. If a large piece is out of place, the surgeon will first try to hold the bones together with screws, or a plate and screws. If that is not possible, the surgeon may remove the broken pieces or replace the radial head with an artificial one.
Type III fractures have many broken pieces that cannot be put back together for healing. Surgery is often recommended to fix or remove the pieces and repair damage to the soft tissue around the joint. After most surgeries, early movement to stretch and bend the elbow is usually advised to avoid stiffness.
With a small fracture where the bones did not move much, you may wear a splint or sling. Your provider will tell you when you can take it off and start moving your elbow. At home, an ice pack wrapped in a clean cloth and raising your elbow can help with pain and swelling.
Even the simplest of these fractures will cause some loss of movement in the elbow. Exercises on your own, or visits with a physical therapist or occupational therapist, can help you get back as much motion as possible. Most fractures heal well in 6 to 8 weeks.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if:
- Your elbow feels tight and painful.
- Your elbow feels unstable and feels like it is catching.
- You feel tingling or numbness.
- Your skin is red, swollen, or you have an open sore.
- You have trouble bending your elbow or lifting things after your sling or splint is removed.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have bleeding that will not stop, a deep or large wound, or sudden, severe pain.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either kind of doctor can examine your elbow, check for nerve problems, and refer you to an orthopedic surgeon when a break is suspected. They can also follow your recovery and help you coordinate physical therapy.
Common questions
How long does a radial head fracture take to heal?
Most fractures heal well in 6 to 8 weeks. You may have pain and swelling for the first 1 to 2 weeks. Your elbow may not move as fully as before, depending on how bad the break was.
Do I need surgery for a radial head fracture?
Some people do and some do not. Small cracks where the bone pieces stay in place are treated without surgery. Surgery is often recommended when there are many broken pieces.
What is the most common cause of a radial head fracture?
Falling with an outstretched arm is the most common cause. The force of the fall travels up the forearm bones and can break the radius near the elbow.
Will I get my full elbow movement back?
You may not get all of your movement back. Even the simplest of these fractures will cause some loss of movement in the elbow.
Sources
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Radial Head Fractures of the Elbow
- MedlinePlus - Radial head fracture - aftercare
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
