Recovery Solutions After Radial Head Resection

A common type of elbow injury in athletes, a radial head fracture tends to occur when a person falls on an outstretched hand. In this case, the radial head—located at the end of the bone— breaks in a way that makes realignment a challenge.

If the radial head cannot successfully be rebuilt, your physician may decide to remove it, which refers to the “resection” aspect of the surgery. Some patients may require a step after radial head removal, whereby an artificial replacement is inserted. Complications from such surgery can include loss of elbow movement, arthritis in some of the joints and reduced strength.

Prior to surgery, it is a good idea to get in touch with our office to discuss the injury with an eye to beginning a physical therapy program soon after the surgery is completed . Rehabilitation with range-of-motion exercises can start as soon as the wound is healed and will allow you to regain function at a healthy, comfortable pace. Such an exercise regimen includes

  • flexibility exercises
  • strengthening techniques
  • tactics to promote soft-tissue flexibility

Radial head resection can lead to complications, but physical therapy can help reduce this risk and get you back to your normal daily activities. To avoid a loss of strength from immobilization and inactivity, we can devise an exercise program that enables you to perform everyday tasks and increases the range of motion of all related joints. In some instances, deep tissue stimulation can help.

Ensuring your ability to move your fingers, wrist and shoulder easily is just as important. We can provide you with an individual rehabilitation program that meets your particular needs.