Radial Head Fracture Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation plan and protocol for radial head fracture.

Phase 1- Immediate motion phase

Goals

·         Decrease pain and inflammation

·         Regain full wrist and elbow ROM

·         Retard muscular atrophy

Week 1

·         Begin elbow active ROM and active-assisted ROM; minimal accepted ROM (15-105 degree) by 2 weeks

·         Begins putty/gripping exercises

·         Begins isotonic strengthening exercises for wrist

Phase 2- Intermediate phase

Goals

·         Maintain full elbow ROM

·         Progress elbow strengthening exercises

·         Gradually increase functional demands

Week 3

·         Initiate shoulder strengthening exercises; concentrate on rotator cuff.

·         Continue ROM exercise for elbow (full flexion-extension).

·         Initiate light resistance elbow flexion-extension.

·         Initiate active-assisted ROM and passive ROM supination-pronation to tolerate.

Week 6

·         Continue active assisted ROM and passive ROM supination-pronation to full range

·         Progress shoulder program

·         Progress shoulder strengthening exercises.

Phase 3- Advanced strengthening phase

Goals

·         Maintain full elbow ROM

·         Increase strength, power and endurance.

·         Gradually initiate sporting activities

Week 7

·         Continue active assisted ROM and passive ROM to full supination-pronation

·         Initiate eccentric elbow flexion-extension

·         Initiate plyometrics exercise program

·         Continue isotonic program for forearm, wrist, and shoulder.

·         Continue until 12 weeks.