Orthopaedic Surgery - Virtual Fracture Clinic - Radial Head/Neck Fracture

This leaflet contains discharge advice following your attendance to the Accident & Emergency Department (A&E) or Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC).

You have been diagnosed with a small fracture (break) to your Radial Head/neck. This is one of the bones in your elbow.

Discharge advice

• These fractures almost always heal well with time and usually – no specific treatment is required
• A sling will be provided which will support and hold your arm in a comfortable position for a few days or longer if advised
• We will advise you to wean yourself from using your sling within a period of time. Do this as your pain is settling. The aim is to remove your sling completely as soon as you feel able
• It is important to keep gently moving the elbow and gradually resume daily activity within the limits of discomfort. This will prevent stiffness and ensure the quickest return to normal function
• Forcible stretching is unnecessary and is likely to cause pain and delay your recovery
• Symptoms are usually minor, but may take 3 to 6 weeks to settle
• There may be slightly reduced movement at the elbow, especially on straightening it. This does not effect your daily function

Should you have any worries or concerns following discharge from your local hospital, please contact:

Fracture Line - 8:30am - 5:30pm, Monday to Friday - 0161 778 5372

Emergency Departments (Out of hours):

Fairfield General Hospital - 0161 778 2600

Royal Oldham Hospital - 0161 627 8933

Rochdale Infirmary - 01706 517023