What is a capitellum fracture?
Fracture of the capitellum is an intra-articular fracture of the elbow, analogous to the Hoffa fracture of the knee. It is a rare fracture which represents an injury to the lateral column of the distal humerus. The mechanism of injury is usually an axial loading through the radial head [3].
What is the capitellum of the elbow?
The capitellum is the first ossification center in the elbow to ossify if development of the joint is normal. This center should have become apparent by two years of age.
How long does it take for a radial head fracture to heal?
Depending on how severe your fracture is and on other factors, you may not have full range of motion after you recover. Most fractures heal well in 6 to 8 weeks.
Is a radial head fracture serious?
In most Type III radial head fractures, there is also significant damage to the elbow joint and the ligaments that surround the elbow. Surgery is always required to either fix or remove the broken pieces of bone and repair the soft-tissue damage. If the damage is severe, the entire radial head may need to be removed.
Where is the capitellum bone?
In human anatomy of the arm, the capitulum of the humerus is a smooth, rounded eminence on the lateral portion of the distal articular surface of the humerus. It articulates with the cupshaped depression on the head of the radius, and is limited to the front and lower part of the bone.
What does the capitulum attach to?
… two smooth articular surfaces (capitulum and trochlea), two depressions (fossae) that form part of the elbow joint, and two projections (epicondyles). The capitulum laterally articulates with the radius; the trochlea, a spool-shaped surface, articulates with the ulna.
Is the capitellum a bone?
Anatomical terms of bone In human anatomy of the arm, the capitulum of the humerus is a smooth, rounded eminence on the lateral portion of the distal articular surface of the humerus. It articulates with the cupshaped depression on the head of the radius, and is limited to the front and lower part of the bone.
What attaches to capitellum?
The capitulum laterally articulates with the radius; the trochlea, a spool-shaped surface, articulates with the ulna.
How do you straighten your arm after a radial head fracture?
Elbow flexion stretch With your other hand, gently push on the back of your affected forearm. Press your hand toward your shoulder until you feel a stretch in the back of your upper arm. Hold for at least 15 to 30 seconds. Repeat 2 to 4 times.
How long does it take to straighten your arm after a broken elbow?
The treatment and recovery period will depend on the severity of the elbow fracture. In most cases, the doctor will place your arm in a cast or in a splint supported by a sling. The recovery period can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
Should a radial head fracture be casted?
Radial head fractures are one of the few fractures in which cast immobilization is not usually necessary and 1 week of sling immobilization is usually recommended.
What does a capitulum look like?
What to expect with an elbow fracture?
Range of Motion. One of the main goals of physical therapy after an elbow fracture is to restore normal range of motion (ROM) to the elbow.
What are the symptoms of elbow fracture?
Sudden intense pain with inability to straighten the elbow
What is the recovery time for a broken elbow?
Cover an open wound with a clean bandage.
Can You crack your elbow?
You can also break your elbow if you land directly on it, or by twisting it severely. Other injuries like sprains, strains, or dislocations can happen at the same time. How do I know my elbow is fractured?