Radial head fracture

　　Fractures caused by direct external force are rare in this disease. Commonly, it is due to a fall with the elbow extended and the palm of the hand hitting the ground, causing the radial head to collide with the capitulum of the humerus in the supinated position, resulting in a fracture. It often occurs with injury to the capitulum of the humerus and the medial collateral ligament. It is more common in adults and is prone to be missed. If not treated early, some patients may have limited rotation of the forearm, and the radial head may need to be removed. According to the morphology of the fracture, the following types are divided.

　　1.裂纹型

　　It is a linear fracture without displacement. The fracture line usually extends from the outer lower part to the upper part of the joint surface. The annular ligament is not damaged, which plays a stabilizing role in the fracture and is not easy to dislocate again.

　　2.塌陷骨折

　　The joint surface of the radial head is compressed and collapses.

　　3.粉碎骨折

　　For those without displacement, the radial head retains its shape and has a complete articular surface. The annular ligament is intact. For those with displacement, the annular ligament is often damaged.

　　Local pain, swelling, and the emergence of deformities can occur after injury, often accompanied by joint dislocation. If surgery is delayed, ossifying myositis is likely to occur, and the recovery of elbow function is poor. There is also a possibility of avascular necrosis of the radial head. Inattention during surgery may also damage the deep branch of the radial nerve, leading to complications of nerve injury. For comminuted radial head fractures, it is necessary to thoroughly flush the surgical area and the elbow joint cavity during surgery to avoid residual bone fragments, which may affect the function of the elbow joint after surgery. When conditions permit, it is best to perform artificial radial head replacement surgery, especially for young and middle-aged patients, because there are a series of complications after the removal of the radial head, which may have an impact on young and physically active individuals.

　　Local pain, mild swelling on the lateral side of the elbow, marked tenderness around the radial head, limited rotation of the forearm, pain during passive movement, especially pronounced during supination, but unrestricted flexion and extension of the elbow joint. Clinically, it can be divided into three types:

　　1. Extension-type fracture

　　Local pain, swelling, and the emergence of atypical deformities can occur after injury, such as the 'silver fork' deformity seen from the side and the 'spear-like' deformity seen from the front. Local tenderness is pronounced, and there is a restriction in the movement of the wrist joint. X-ray films show that the distal end of the fracture is displaced to the radial and dorsal sides, while the proximal end is displaced to the palmar side, thus presenting typical deformity signs, which may indicate associated dislocation of the ulnar and radial joints.

　　2. Flexion-type fracture

　　After the injury, the wrist hangs down, locally swollen, with subcutaneous ecchymosis on the dorsal side of the wrist, limited wrist movement, and obvious tenderness on local examination. X-ray films can reveal typical displacement, with the distal fracture end in a dorsal position, the proximal fracture end in a palmar position, and radial displacement, opposite to the displacement direction of the extension-type fracture, becoming a reverse Colles fracture or Smith fracture.

　　Clinically, it presents with a

　　This disease is often caused by traumatic factors, so attention to safety in production and daily life, avoiding trauma, and ensuring personal safety is the key to preventing this disease. At the same time, it should be noted that patients with elbow joint dislocation or fracture caused by traumatic factors should undergo X-ray examination to exclude the presence of this disease and avoid delaying treatment.

　　Several methods for the prevention and protection of fractures:

　　1. Exercise to strengthen the body:It is important to actively and consistently engage in physical exercise, increase outdoor activity time, breathe fresh air, and promote overall blood circulation and metabolism. Activities such as walking, jogging, Tai Chi, and health exercises can be chosen. More activities can cause more calcium in the blood to remain in the bones, thus increasing bone hardness and effectively reducing the occurrence of fractures.

　　2. More sun exposure:Sunlight can promote the synthesis of vitamin D, and calcium metabolism depends on the effect of vitamin D. Ultraviolet light in sunlight promotes the formation and absorption of calcium in the body, maintains normal calcium-phosphorus metabolism, and increases calcium in bones, thus improving bone hardness.

　　3. Prevention before the disease occurs:The elderly should avoid going to places with many people and vehicles. Do not go out during rain, snow, or when there is water accumulation or ice on the ground to prevent falls and fractures. Avoid climbing ladders or engaging in high activities, and it is not advisable to walk on steep slopes due to weak lower limbs and slow reactions, which are prone to falls. When going out, walk slowly and cautiously. If there are symptoms such as dizziness, deafness, or dizziness, try to reduce going out. If it is necessary to go out, have someone help you walk or use a cane. Before going to the toilet at night, sit on the edge of the bed for a moment to keep the leg muscles in an excited state and prevent transient hypotension caused by changes in body position. When taking a bath, prepare a small stool, sit down to put on pants and shoes to prevent falls.

　　4. Diet Adjustment:A diet rich in vegetables, proteins, and vitamins can prevent the occurrence and development of osteoporosis. Early in the fracture healing process, a light diet is recommended to help remove blood stasis and swelling. In the later stage, a heavier taste is preferable, and appropriate dietary supplementation to tonify the liver and kidneys is beneficial for the healing of fractures and the recovery of function.

　　5、密切观察：5, Close Observation:

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