Fractures of radial neck are relatively uncommon injury around the elbow in the adults. This injury is more common in children. In contrast, radial head fractures are more common in adults.
The xray in the image are of 48 years old lady who fell from scooter. This fracture generally results from a hard fall on an extended & supinated outstretched hand. The force is transmitted through shaft of radius and momentum of body drives capitellum (A projection of lower humerus that articulates with head of radius) against lateral half of radial head,
tilting & displacing it laterally.
- If the forearm is fully supinated, the displacement is lateral
- If the forearm is in neutral mid position, displacement is posterior
In the present xray a lateral displacement is noted.
The treatment depends upon the displacement of the fracture. A mildly displaced fracture like in the picture may be amenable to closed reduction but a severe displacement may warrant open reduction and internal fixation.
The lady refused any treatment for this and was sent home in a splint.
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