Challenges After Radial Head Replacement Surgery
Greetings, I’m seeking some insights regarding my recent radial head replacement surgery. Here’s an overview of my situation and the journey leading up to it. At 27 years old, standing 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 120 pounds, I experienced a fall while hiking on April 26, 2025. During the fall, my arm was extended, resulting in an elbow dislocation and a shattered radial head. I was taken to the emergency room where my elbow was realigned that same evening, encased in a temporary cast, and referred to OrthoCarolina. My orthopedic surgeon suggested a radial head replacement, but I had to wait for 10 days—until May 6, 2025—for the procedure. It was successful, and I was instructed to keep my arm in a sling, starting outpatient physical therapy on May 16, 2025, after a 10-day recovery period. Currently, I attend physical therapy three times weekly and diligently perform home exercises twice daily. Around six weeks post-surgery, I resumed my yoga practice and swimming. As someone who is naturally active, the limitations during recovery have been tough to handle. Now, on July 5, 2025, I’ve begun to encounter some complications. My elbow’s range of motion has significantly declined. Mornings are particularly challenging, as my elbow feels almost immobile. However, after performing my stretches and exercises, I regain a small range of motion sufficient to touch my face, head, or opposite shoulder. While I have regained full supination, each time I pronate and supinate my hand, I experience a cracking and popping noise from my wrist. During my six-week follow-up appointment, my surgeon expressed concern over my recovery progress. He suspects that I have developed excessive scar tissue in my elbow joint. If I struggle to manage it myself, he may recommend another surgery to remove the surplus scar tissue, a prospect I dread. This is my first injury and surgical experience, and I am anxious that scar tissue could pose ongoing issues. I’m also concerned that I might have received the incorrect size titanium radial head, given the popping in my wrist. In an attempt to alleviate stress, I’ve been treating myself to a full-body massage every other week, though I find myself yearning for an escape from this frustrating situation. If anyone has helpful advice or suggestions, I would truly appreciate your support. 🙏🏻
Answers (1)
7/5/2025, 4:40:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable that you're feeling anxious and frustrated after your radial head replacement surgery and the complications you're experiencing. The good news is that you're actively working on your recovery with physical therapy and home exercises. Addressing your concerns, let's break down the key points and outline some actionable steps to help you manage your current situation.
Main Points:
- Declined range of motion and discomfort could be due to scar tissue.
- Popping and cracking sounds from your wrist need monitoring.
- Emotional stress from the recovery process is also impacting your experience.
Explanation:
After a surgery like radial head replacement, it's common to face challenges such as decreased range of motion and discomfort, particularly as healing progresses. Scar tissue can form around the joint, limiting movement, which seems to be the concern your surgeon has raised. Additionally, the noises you hear when pronating and supinating your wrist may indicate related issues that could also be stemming from the surgical procedure.
Post-surgical recovery is often a mix of physical healing and emotional adaptation. Being proactive, like you are with your physical therapy, is essential, but it’s also important to address the emotional aspects of your recovery.
Actionable Steps:
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Continue Physical Therapy: Stay committed to your physical therapy sessions. Inform your therapist about the changes or discomforts you're experiencing. They can modify your treatment to help target the scar tissue issue more effectively.
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Gentle Stretching Routine: Incorporate a gentle stretching routine before bed and upon waking to promote mobility. Focus on movements that are comfortable and gradually increase your range as tolerated.
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Self-Massage Techniques: Alongside your professional massages, consider gentle self-massage around the elbow and wrist areas to help break down any built-up scar tissue. You can use a small amount of lotion or oil to facilitate the movement.
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Heat Therapy: Try using a warm compress on your elbow before stretching exercises in the morning. Heat can help relax the muscles and improve your range of motion.
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Monitor Your Progress: Keep a journal documenting your daily exercises and any changes in mobility or discomfort levels. Share this with your therapist and surgeon during your next appointments to help guide adjustments to your rehabilitation plan.
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Mindfulness and Relaxation: Engage in mindfulness practices, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, to help manage stress. Reducing anxiety can improve your overall recovery experience.
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Communication with Your Surgeon: Be open about your concerns regarding the popping sound in your wrist and the possibility of incorrect implant sizing. Don’t hesitate to ask for further clarification and reassurance on your treatment plan.
You’re doing an excellent job by being proactive in your recovery. It's a complex process, but with patience and the right strategies, improvement is achievable. Each small gain you make counts, so celebrate those victories along the way. Please feel free to reach out if you need more information or support as you navigate this journey.
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