Radial head fracture

  • Usually apparent on the AP view, but subtle corner fractures can be missed. Many young infants have a normal notch defect in their radial head which may look like a fracture.
  • These are predominantly Salter Type I or II injuries which can occur with a sail sign and soft tissue swelling.
  • Treatment depends on the age of the child and the amount of angulation and translation, if present. Older children with larger degrees of deformity should be referred for open reduction and internal fixation.