Introduction
This information leaflet should provide most of the information you need about your Radial Head or Neck Fracture injury. Most people can go home safely without needing further Fracture Clinic visits. If you have concerns or need another appointment, call the fracture clinic using the contact numbers at the end of the leaflet.
What is it?
The radial head and neck are parts of the bones in the elbow. Fractures typically occur due to a fall onto an outstretched hand. If the fracture is very displaced, then some people need to have surgery to correct this and allow the bone to heal in a better position.
How is it treated?
If you have a relatively minor fracture, they often heal well without surgery and no specific treatment is required. A sling can be used for comfort in the first week or two after the injury.
Do I need pain relief?
You can use simple over the counter analgesia such as paracetamol. In the first 48 hours you can also use the RICE protocol to reduce pain and swelling:
- Rest: Immobilising your arm in the sling can reduce the pain and swelling
- Ice: Apply ice packs to reduce swelling. Don’t apply the ice directly to the skin. Place the ice in a plastic bag and wrap in a towel
- Compression: Use an elastic bandage, such as Tubigrip, if you have any
- Elevation: When sitting or lying, keep the arm raised on a pillow to reduce swelling. The sling can be used when you are mobile.
How long will it take to recover?
You can wean yourself out of the sling as soon as the arm feels more comfortable. It is important to start moving your elbow and resume day-to-day activities as soon as you feel more comfortable. This will prevent stiffness and ensure a faster recovery. It can take 6 to 12 weeks for the symptoms to settle.
Some patients may experience a degree of permanent stiffness with this type of injury and may lose some of the pre-injury range of movement. This does not normally affect the function of your arm.
Do exercises and physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy exercises can help improve the range of movement and function. You may be referred for Physiotherapy from the Emergency Department. There are some exercises found at the end of this leaflet that you can do at home.
When can I return to work and activity?
You should avoid weightbearing or heavy lifting during the first few weeks following the injury. You can start your normal activities once the pain is settled.
You can start driving once the pain has settled and you are able to control the car safely. You should not drive while wearing the sling. If you have any concerns, then please contact the fracture clinic.
Do I need follow-up?
You do not normally need follow-up with minimally displaced fractures, but if there is a significant amount of displacement of the fracture, you may need to be reviewed in a Virtual or face-to-face fracture clinic.
What if I need more information or help?
You can contact the fracture clinic directly if you have any concerns. Please see the list of contacts at the end of this leaflet.
Exercises
Below are some exercises that can be started as soon as pain allows, and you should do these exercises 3 to 4 times per day. The Physiotherapists will show you more advanced exercises once they have seen you.
Forearm Rotations:
Sit with your elbow bent at a 90-degree angle, forearm resting on a table. Slowly turn your palm up and then down. Repeat 10 times.
Elbow Flexion and Extension:
Sit or stand with your arm relaxed at your side. Slowly bend your elbow, bringing your hand towards your shoulder. Slowly straighten your arm back down. Repeat 10 times.
Contact
If you have any queries or concerns then please contact the hospital for further advice.
Between the hours of 9:00am and 4:30pm contact the fracture clinic on:
Scunthorpe: 03033 302164
Grimsby: 03033 306127
Goole: 03033 304036
Out of hours – then please contact the Emergency Department via switchboard:
Scunthorpe/Goole: 01724 282282
Grimsby: 01472 874111
Any comments, compliments, concerns or complaints
If you have any other concerns please talk to your nurse, therapist or doctor. Our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) is available on 03033 306518 (Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Goole). You can also contact [email protected]
As a Trust we value equality of access to our information and services, therefore alternative formats are available on request at [email protected]
NHS Website
NHS website is a health information service. The aim is to support the public to become active consumers of healthcare rather than passive recipients, and to help individuals, their family or carers to make more informed choices: https://www.nhs.uk/
Review information
Date of Issue: December 2025
Review period: December 2027