Radial Head Fractures in Adults: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Traumatology
• Anatomy

Background:

• Radial head fractures are frequent injuries in adults, often resulting from falls on an outstretched hand.
• The radial head plays a crucial role in elbow stability, forearm rotation, and force transmission.
• Effective management requires understanding anatomy, injury mechanisms, and classification systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize current evidence on radial head fractures.
• To focus on contemporary management strategies, including conservative and surgical options.
• To provide a practical understanding for healthcare providers delivering optimal care.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of peer-reviewed literature.
• Inclusion of clinical guidelines and systematic reviews.
• Examination of epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management.

Main Results:

• Comprehensive overview of diagnostic evaluation and management strategies.
• Discussion of indications, outcomes, and complications for both conservative and surgical treatments.
• Insights into rehabilitation protocols for radial head fractures.

Conclusions:

• Management of radial head fractures is evolving with surgical and implant advancements.
• Clinicians must stay informed on current best practices for optimal patient outcomes.
• This review offers a practical understanding to guide healthcare providers in managing these common injuries.