© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
An open treatment of a radial head or neck fracture involves a surgical procedure aimed at correcting a fracture in the radial head or neck, which are parts of the radius bone located in the forearm. This procedure is characterized by an open reduction technique, meaning that the fracture is directly accessed through an incision, allowing for better visualization and manipulation of the fractured bone. The treatment may include internal fixation, which involves the use of hardware such as screws or plates to stabilize the fracture, or it may require excision of the radial head if the fracture is irreparable. The surgical approach typically used is posterior, which allows the surgeon to expose the fracture site effectively. During the procedure, any debris at the fracture site is cleared, and the bone fragments are aligned and secured to the radial shaft. In some cases, if the radial head cannot be repaired, the surgeon may opt to excise the radial head entirely. This procedure is critical for restoring function and stability to the elbow joint, and it is essential for the recovery of normal range of motion and strength in the forearm.
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