Occult Proximal Radius Fracture

Patient Information Leaflet

Overview of your injury

• You have an occult proximal radius fracture.
• This means there are signs on your x-ray suggesting a break to a bone in your elbow.

Healing

• It normally takes six weeks for this fracture to heal.
• Smoking will slow down your healing.
• We would advise that you stop smoking while your fracture heals.
• Talk to your GP or go to www.smokefree.nhs.uk for more information. Pain and Swelling
• Your elbow may be swollen, and you will have some pain.
• Taking pain medication and using ice or cold packs will help.
• More information can be found later in this leaflet.

Wearing your sling

• Your sling should be worn for comfort in the first two weeks.
• You can take it off to wash, dress and exercise. It does not need to be worn at night

Exercise and activity

• Elbows get stiff very quickly. It is important to start exercising as soon as possible.
• You will find pictures and instructions for your exercises later in this leaflet.
• Do not lift anything that is more than the weight of a cup of tea for the first six weeks.
• You can do light activities when your pain has settled.

Follow up

• A follow up appointment is not normally needed for this injury.
• Please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic if you do not have full movement by three weeks after your injury.
• You may need a physiotherapy referral.

Any questions?

• If you are concerned about your symptoms, are unable to follow this rehabilitation plan or notice pain other than at your elbow, please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic.

Caring for your injury: Week 1 - 6

Wear your sling for the first 2 weeks.

• Take the sling off for washing, dressing and to do your exercises.

Using a cold pack will help with your pain and swelling.

• You can use an ice pack or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel.
• Put this on your elbow for 15 minutes every few hours.
• Make sure the ice isn’t in direct contact with your skin.
• Rest your elbow, especially in the first 24-72 hours.

Exercises

• Regular exercise will prevent stiffness and help to recover movement.
• Try to do these exercises every hour.
• If this is too painful, start with 3-4 times a day. Repeat each exercise 10 times.

1. Bend and straighten your elbow so you feel a mild to moderate stretch. Do not push into pain.
2. Bend your elbow to 90 degrees. Slowly turn your palm up and down until you feel a mild to moderate stretch. Take things at your own pace and stop if you feel pain or discomfort.

3. Open and close your hand. Next, move your wrist up and down.
4. After a few days, hold a soft ball/ball of socks. Squeeze the ball as hard as possible without pain. Hold for 5 seconds.

Caring for your injury: Week 6 - 12

• Your fracture should now be healed.
• You can gradually increase your day-to-day activity.
• Take things at your own pace and stop if you feel pain or discomfort.
• It is normal to still have mild discomfort. This may continue for three to six months.

Frequently Asked Questions

I’m concerned about my symptoms and/or I am struggling to return to exercise.

• Please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic.

I am struggling with my sling. What do I do?

• Contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic. We are happy to give further advice or change your sling if needed.

When can I start driving? You can return to driving when:

• You are no longer using a sling,
• You can move comfortably and
• You can control the vehicle safely.
• Always test your ability to drive in a safe environment first.

How can I get a certificate for work?

• You can get a fitness for work statement from your GP.

Contact our service

• The Virtual Fracture Clinic
  Call us on 020 7288 3310 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)
  Email: whh-tr.fracturevirtualclinic@nhs.net

With thanks to Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust for kindly sharing their information sheets with us with full permission to use contents and images.