RADIAL HEAD FRACTURES, EPIDEMIOLOGY, ANATOMY, MECHANISM OF INJURY, CLASSIFICATION, IMAGING PRESENTATION, CLINICAL PRESENTATION, MANAGEMENT AND COMPLICATIONS

Introduction: In recent years the understanding and comprehension of elbow has improved, clarifying some aspects complex diarthrodial joint. The relevance radial head in biomechanics is recognized which helps to improve management treatment fractures at this site. Elbow trauma most common origin proximal radius fractures, can be direct or indirect cause an isolated fracture, a fracture associated with other ligament injuries. Objective: detail current information related epidemiology, anatomy, presentation, clinical evaluation, imaging classification, complications. Methodology: total 42 articles were analyzed review, including review original articles, as well cases, 31 bibliographies used because not relevant study. sources PubMed, Google Scholar Cochrane; terms search for Spanish, Portuguese English were: prosthesis, arthroplasty. Results: Radial have incidence 2.5 per 10,000 year, represents 1.7 5.4% all fractures. Most injuries are result fall on hand extension. Usually affected individuals show limitation mobility forearm addition pain discomfort when making passive rotational movement forearm; they also usually present palpation over joint effusion elbow. Sometimes there fracture-dislocation rupture interosseous membrane lesion distal radioulnar called Essex-Lopresti lesion. Conclusions: together provide longitudinal stability; damaged, migration may occur after removal head. When presenting suspicion standard anteroposterior lateral projections should requested, oblique such Greenspan projection. Manson, Mason-Johnston Mason classification modified by Hotchkiss classification. Among indications conservative solitary, undisplaced minimally displaced that do mechanical blockages range motion less than 3 mm displacement. Studies report effectiveness open reduction internal fixation simple type II fractures; Manson III controversial. Complications arise from contracture subsequent prolonged immobilization secondary persistent pain, edema swelling; due undiagnosed osteochondral injury capitellum. KEY WORDS: radius, head,