Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
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Fracture of the Radial Head
A radial head replacement is a surgical procedure in which the injured or damaged radial head is replaced with an artificial joint. This procedure is most commonly performed for degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, and it is also indicated for severe injuries like a fracture of the radial head. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in rehabilitation and recovery following radial head replacement, helping restore strength, stability, and full or near-to-full function in the elbow joint.
The radial head, shaped like a round disc, is crucial for proper elbow motion. It allows flexion (bending) and extension (straightening) of the elbow, as well as pronation and supination (rotation) of the forearm. Damage or injury to the radial head can impair all these movements, affecting overall elbow function.
- Radial head fracture – severe fractures that cannot be reconstructed or are comminuted (broken into multiple fragments).
- Arthritis – degenerative changes causing irreversible damage to the radial head and limiting elbow function.
- Post-traumatic deformity – malunion or non-union of previous fractures resulting in pain, instability, or loss of motion.
- Failed radial head excision – when previous removal of the radial head leads to persistent pain, instability, or impaired function.
- Complex elbow instability – when the radial head is required to restore stability of the elbow joint after trauma or ligament injury.
Arthritis
Another indication for radial head replacement is severe arthritis affecting the radial head. Arthritis can cause irreversible damage to the articular cartilage of the radial head, resulting in pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, and loss of function in the elbow joint. Radial head replacement can restore stability, alleviate pain, and improve overall elbow function.
During radial head replacement surgery, the surgeon makes an incision on the outside of the arm, carefully avoiding nerves and other structures within the elbow joint. The damaged radial head is then removed, and an artificial implant is inserted to restore stability and replicate the function of the radial head. The elbow is inspected for any additional damage, and in cases with inflammatory arthritis, the synovium (joint lining) and any loose or damaged tissue may also be removed. The wound is then closed using stitches or sutures, completing the procedure.
Arthritis
Physiotherapy after radial head replacement is essential to maximise the success of the surgery, prevent future complications, and restore full or near to full strength, stability, and function in the elbow joint. A structured rehabilitation programme helps the patient regain mobility, improve muscle control, and return to everyday activities, work, hobbies, and sport as efficiently and safely as possible.
Surgical procedure for radial head replacement
Physiotherapy after radial head replacement is crucial to ensure successful recovery and restore full or near to full function in the elbow joint. Early rehabilitation focuses on controlling pain, reducing swelling, and maintaining range of motion, while later stages progressively strengthen the muscles around the elbow, improve stability, and enhance overall function. A structured physiotherapy programme helps the patient return to everyday activities, work, hobbies, and sports safely and efficiently.
Physiotherapy following radial head replacement surgery is vital to maximise the success of the procedure, restore strength and stability, and ensure the return of full or near to full function in the elbow joint, while also reducing the risk of future complications.
Symptoms after radial head replacement surgery
Immediately after radial head replacement surgery, you can expect pain, swelling, and discomfort around the elbow joint. Your elbow will be covered with a thick bandage, and pain relief modalities will be provided. To minimize swelling and throbbing, you should keep your elbow elevated above chest level, using pillows for support while sitting or sleeping. Physiotherapy will start immediately to maintain range of motion and reduce stiffness. Once the initial recovery period has passed, a sling will be provided for support and protection during daily activities. Driving will not be possible until you regain full and painless movement in your arm.
Physiotherapy after radial head replacement surgery
It is essential to begin a comprehensive rehabilitation programme as soon as possible following your radial head replacement surgery. Physiotherapy will maximise the success of the surgery, reduce the likelihood of complications, and help you regain full or near-full function in your elbow joint. Regaining optimal elbow function is crucial to ensure efficient movement and strength in your forearm and hand, enabling you to perform everyday tasks effectively. The main goals of your rehabilitation with acephysiosports.com include:
- Control pain, swelling, and inflammation in and around the elbow joint
- Regain and maintain full range of motion in the elbow
- Restore strength and stability in the muscles around the elbow
- Improve function of the wrist, hand, and shoulder on the affected side
- Prevent the likelihood of future injuries or complications
- Enhance overall upper limb coordination and function
- Gradually reintroduce activities of daily living, work tasks, and hobbies
- Improve cardiovascular fitness and muscle endurance to support elbow function
1-4 weeks
During the initial stages of your rehabilitation after radial head replacement surgery, your physiotherapy programme with acephysiosports.com will focus on controlling pain and swelling. It will also aim to maintain as much range of movement as possible to reduce stiffness and improve mobility in your elbow joint. Gentle strengthening exercises will be included for the muscles of your affected arm, as well as for the muscles in your opposite arm.
- Control pain and swelling in and around the elbow joint.
- Maintain and improve range of movement to reduce stiffness.
- Improve mobility in the elbow joint.
- Perform gentle strengthening exercises for the muscles of the affected arm.
- Perform strengthening exercises for the muscles of the opposite arm.
5-8 weeks
After a month of rehabilitation following your radial head replacement surgery, your physiotherapy will continue to focus on controlling any pain and swelling you are still experiencing while progressing activities from previous weeks. The goals at this stage include improving range of movement, increasing strength, and enhancing flexibility in your elbow joint. Special emphasis is given to exercises that improve function at the radial head, particularly twisting movements of the forearm, such as pronation and supination. Your physiotherapy will also target improving the function of your hand, wrist, and shoulder on the affected side, while including exercises for the opposite arm for support and balance. Additionally, gentle cardiovascular exercises will be incorporated to enhance overall fitness and accelerate recovery.
- Continue to control any remaining pain and swelling.
- Improve range of movement in the elbow joint.
- Increase strength in the muscles around the elbow.
- Increase flexibility in the elbow joint.
- Focus on improving pronation and supination (twisting of the forearm).
- Improve function in the hand, wrist, and shoulder of the affected arm.
- Include exercises for the opposite arm for balance and support.
- Incorporate gentle cardiovascular exercises to improve overall fitness.
9-12 weeks
By the third month of successful physiotherapy, you will have experienced significant improvements in the function of your elbow joint and arm, with minimal to no pain or swelling. The focus of your ongoing rehabilitation will be on regaining full strength and function in your elbow and arm. It is also important to continue exercises that enhance strength and range of movement in your wrist, hand, and shoulder on the affected side to provide additional support and optimise overall function. At this stage, your programme will also incorporate activities aimed at improving cardiovascular fitness and muscle endurance to further maximise the functional capacity of your elbow joint.
- Regain full strength and function in your elbow and arm
- Continue exercises to improve strength and range of movement in your wrist, hand, and shoulder of the affected arm
- Enhance stability and support for overall upper limb function
- Improve cardiovascular fitness
- Increase muscle endurance to maximise function in the elbow joint
Full recovery after radial head replacement typically takes up to 3 months. The success and speed of your recovery largely depend on your dedication to the comprehensive physiotherapy programme provided by acephysiosports.com, as well as the initial condition of your elbow prior to the radial head replacement.
Summary
A radial head replacement is a surgical procedure in which the damaged or injured radial head is replaced with an artificial joint. This surgery is required in severe cases, such as inflammatory arthritis or traumatic injuries like radial head fractures. Radial head replacement is essential to improve elbow function and to significantly relieve symptoms such as pain, swelling, and reduced mobility. After surgery, a comprehensive physiotherapy programme with acephysiosports.com is crucial to ensure the success of the procedure, prevent future complications, and help you regain full or near-to-full function in the elbow joint. Commitment to a personalised physiotherapy programme with acephysiosports.com will facilitate a faster return to everyday activities, work, hobbies, and sports. For more information or to book an appointment, call +65 81535374.
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