Radial Neck Fracture

Mechanism

 

FOOSH

- valgus injury

- don't get radial head fracture as is mostly cartilaginous

 

Types

 

SH 1 or 2

 

Associated Injuries

 

MCL injury

Olecranon / Medial epicondyle fracture

 

Non operative

 

Indications

 

Normal valgus neck is 15^o

 

< 30^o angulation acceptable / will remodel

 

> 30^o - risk radiocapitellar OA

 

Operative Options

 

MUA

- rotate arm to maximum displacement

- use thumb to reduce

 

K-wire joy stick

- pronate arm to protect PIN

- insert into fracture site

- try to lever fracture into position

- then drive into opposite cortex

 

ORIF

- may need open reduction

- then stabilise with K wires