Nonoperative
Main indications
Note: Nonoperative treatment is generally only indicated if functional forearm rotation can be demonstrated with or without anesthetic injection.
Contraindications
- Elbow subluxation or dislocation
- Deformity likely to restrict forearm rotation
- Infirm or dependent person
- Polytrauma
Advantages
- Avoids surgical risks of neurovascular injury
- Fragmented radial neck fractures extending to the bicipital tuberosity are difficult to stabilize adequately
Disadvantages
- Risk of elbow subluxation, elbow stiffness, and hindrance of forearm rotation
Note: Nonoperative treatment is generally only indicated if functional forearm rotation can be demonstrated with or without anesthetic injection.
Contraindications
- Elbow subluxation or dislocation
- Deformity likely to restrict forearm rotation
- Infirm or dependent person
- Polytrauma
Advantages
- Avoids surgical risks of neurovascular injury
- Fragmented radial neck fractures extending to the bicipital tuberosity are difficult to stabilize adequately
Disadvantages
- Risk of elbow subluxation, elbow stiffness, and hindrance of forearm rotation