Radial head fracture (peds)

Background

• Radial neck fractures tend to be more common in the pediatric population than radial head fractures
• Majority are Salter II fractures
• Average age is approximately 10 yrs

Clinical Features

• Mechanism is typically FOOSH
• Tenderness over the elbow
• May include posterior interosseous nerve intrapment causing a finger drop

Differential Diagnosis

Elbow Diagnoses

Radiograph-Positive

• Radial head fracture
  • Essex-Lopresti fracture
• Capitellum fracture
• Olecranon fracture
• Elbow dislocation

Radiograph-Negative

• Lateral epicondylitis
• Medial epicondylitis
• Olecranon bursitis (nonseptic)
• Septic bursitis
• Biceps tendon rupture/dislocation

Pediatric

• Nursemaid's elbow
• Supracondylar fracture
• Lateral epicondyle fracture
• Medial epicondyle fracture
• Olecranon fracture
• Radial head fracture
• Salter-Harris fractures

Evaluation

• AP and lateral elbow xray
  • Assess for anterior fat pad
• Knowledge of ossification centers of the elbow can be helpful
  • Capitellum (1 yr.)
  • Radius (3 yr.)
  • Internal or medial epicondyle (5 yr.)
  • Trochlea (7 yr.)
  • Olecranon (9 yr.)
  • External or lateral epicondyle (11 yr.)

Management

• Ortho consultation to guide treatment
• ORIF indicated when angulation >60 degrees or displacement >50%

Disposition

• Consult ortho

See Also

• Elbow diagnoses
• Radial head fracture (Adult)

References

Authors

Neil Young, Ross Donaldson, Daniel Ostermayer