![]() ![]() There is typically localized tenderness over the radial head on palpation passive rotation of the forearm is also painful. Pain, effusion over the elbow, and limited range of motion at the elbow and forearm are common symptoms. Patients with an injury to the radial head typically present with a history of a fall on an outstretched hand, or, following higher energy trauma and elbow dislocation. Figure 1: Radiograph of a normal elbow, left, with annotation on right showing the radius (yellow) articulating with the capitellum of the humerus (green). In particular, loss of the radial head may cause wrist symptoms, as such loss may cause proximal migration of the radius with additional load now placed on the proximal ulna. The radial head also ultimately connects to the carpus, as it is the base on which the radius itself is supported. ![]() (The central axis of the radius is not perfectly cylindrical, and thus during pronation, the radius must be able to translate a bit as well). This ligament holds the radius as it rotates, but also allows for some translation as well. Just distal to the radial head lies the annular ligament, which holds the radius to the ulna. The radial head translates on the capitellum during elbow flexion-extension, and pivots on the capitellum during supination-pronation. The radial head is concave, matching the convex surface of the capitellum of the humerus (Figure 2). The radial head articulates with both the capitellum of the humerus and the ulna. The impact from the fall drives the radius proximally into the humerus, causing an injury at the elbow. ![]() Perhaps counter-intuitively, fractures of the radial head (which is part of the elbow) typically occur after a fall on an outstretched hand. Radial head fractures are the most common type of elbow fractures in adults. ![]()
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