Nonunion of a Nondisplaced Radial Neck Fracture: A Case Report

JBJS Case Connect. 2017 Jul-Sep;7(3):e70. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.17.00039.

Abstract

Case: We describe the case of a 66-year-old man who sustained a nondisplaced radial neck fracture and subsequently developed a symptomatic nonunion. After a period of unsuccessful conservative treatment, a radial head resection was performed.

Conclusion: Radial neck fractures, unlike their radial head counterparts, have a low rate of nonunion. Our patient's only positive risk factor was age, but he developed a nonunion. At the 2-year follow-up after excision of the radial head, there was a lack of proximal migration of the radius during axial loading, demonstrating a positive outcome without the need for replacement of the radial head.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Fractures, Ununited / etiology*
  • Fractures, Ununited / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Radius Fractures / complications*
  • Radius Fractures / surgery