Radial Head Fracture, long term pain

[MC Bodge]

I fractured the area around my right radial head 22 years ago and, after suffer increasing pain and nerve issues, had an arthroscopy to cut the lumps off and tidy it up 12 years ago - Range of motion was increased too, with improved rotation.

The elbow movement improved, but there was still residual Pain and flexing the elbow resulted in discomfort. I went back to the hospital 2 years later, but was told there was nothing else tha could be done.

It has gradually become worse and I can feel lumps and bumps on the radius and humerus(?).

The elbows clicks and crunches.

Fully Flexing the elbow 2 or more times appears to cause the lumps to rub together which generates heat, inflammation and lasting painI am quite active, but am a bit limited in what I can do by my right elbow( I am thankfully LEFT handed!). Arm exercises and physical sports requiring both arms are not really feasible.

I am also concerned about future years/decades if it is a problem in my 30s.

Has anybody had successful treatment for similar?

Is radial head removal or replacement practical/desirable for an active, relatively young, person?

Would I feasibly be able to do press-ups/ arm weights, punch a bag, martial arts etc?

Any ideas or experiences?

Edited by MC Bodge on Monday 12th January 19:36

[E65Ross]

The fact you mention 30s, and it was done 22 years ago suggest you were still very much growing whilst you did this.

Depending on the type of fracture, do you know whether you damaged the growth plate? If so, could you some how ask your Dr what classification of Salter-Harris the fracture was.

If you damaged the growth plate badly there really at be very little, if anything you could do.

Something like this really requires a good physical exam and probably an MRI scan too to really see what's going on and why you're getting "lumps and bumps".

Are the lumps and bumps tender? Do they move about or are they fixed? Are they firm, soft or somewhere in between?

Too many questions to be honest!

[MC Bodge]

Fair point. I am just interested to know if the problem can be resolved or not.

I was almost 15 when I did the original injury. I was almost the same height and weight then as I am now.

I'll make an appointment with the GP, but it will be a long process.

[E65Ross]

It's been a number of years since I covered growth plate fusion ages but I I recall radial head should have done so by that age, it is one of the earlier growth plates of the elbows to fuse (2nd of 6 if I remember).

Worth going to get checked out for sure.

[E65Ross]

It's been a number of years since I covered growth plate fusion ages but I I recall radial head should have done so by that age, it is one of the earlier growth plates of the elbows to fuse (2nd of 6 if I remember).

Worth going to get checked out for sure.

[Prouse93]

Hi just writing to anyone that knows about a radial head fracture.
I fell in March 2015 nearly 2 years now and fractured the radial head in my left elbow. I am still in pain everyday since the accident whether it’s sleeping or just doin day to day things. I have been to physio and constantly and then an orthopedic consultant told me there is nothing that can be done. I wondering if this is true or not.
Thanks