I fell from a chair 5 days back and fractured my right elbow. The doctor diagnosed it as a radial head fracture with minimal displacement. One doc suggested that I do a surgery and put a screw. I saw another doc more experienced and he said surgery is not required and it can do more damage than help. He put me inside a full arm cast and asked me to wear it for 3 weeks. I wanted to know where the recovery will be faster, with or without surgery. If I have to wear this cast for 3 weeks, will it take much longer to get full ROM of wrist and elbow. Also while I am wearing the cast can I move my shoulders up and down. Can I flex my hand muscles. Anything else I can do that will help me recover faster. I am a software guy so need to work a lot on the computer so quick recovery is essential for me. Thanks

Dr. Sunil SrivastavaOrthopedist37yrs exp

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Hi Both methods have advantage and diadvantage. Surgery may fix it earlier with limited immobilization for 10 days,but your elbow may still not bear full strain till fracture unites.It will though give better alignment.complication can be implant infection risk for open surgery.and delayed healing Reduction and cast is safe that way from infection but 3weeks may require physiotherapy for full ROM and elbow function. Do not rush,latter will restore well without risks Work can be done well with solid healing 

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Dr. Prem KumariPhysiotherapist10yrs exp

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Dear Lybrate user Fracture is a break in the surface of bone either through its cortex or articular surface. When a bone breaks it is bound to injure the surrounding soft tissue like muscle and ligaments, etc. Treatment depends upon severity, displacement, type of fracture, etc. As you told it's minimum displaced or undisplaced fracture need only cuff and collar sling. Firstly Immobilisation phase. In which immobilise the joint or limb atleast three weeks to promote proper healing. Its important phase once bone heal properly then no worries. You can bend or extend your fingers too. After that second phase comes that is Mobilisation phase. Now joint or bone become able to move through proper exercises. Exercises will increase blood circulation and pain stiffness relief and provide strength to muscle. For good results exercises should be undersupervision of qualified physiotherapist. 

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