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Radial Collateral Ligament Tear in Elbow
Hi, I wanted to ask a quick question about a Radial Collateral Tear in my Elbow, I fell on my outstretched arm in March and suffered a Radial head/neck fracture. I was only half casted for about a week and a half. My ortho has been treating me ever since the injury but did not do any tests, a pain management doctor finally sent me for an MRI and the tear showed up, it states that it is surrounded by a large amount of fluid. Is that a sign of a complete tear and is this type of tear usually fixed by surgery? I still have pain, popping and stiffness in my elbow and have done PT for 4 months, also I have a lot of upper arm pain into the shoulder area (ortho said it was a frozen shoulder) Any help will be greatly appreciated, I am switching orthos and having a hard time getting someone to see me due to worker's comp. Thanks so much for your time. :)
Edit: I am sorry, one more thing I wanted to mention is that when I called my ortho about this result, his secretary told me that he said he had already knew that this was wrong before the MRI and the test was a waste of time and money,and also to continue on Prescription Ibuprofen for the swelling. I just wanted to add this because I honestly do not know if this is a normal thing to have this kind of tear after a radial head fracture and if it is something that I would just have to deal with. Thanks again!
Answer:
Radial Collateral Ligament Tear in Elbow
Thanks for your question. I agree that you might be wise to get a second opinion on that. I'm not an orthopedic surgeon, so I can't assess your case, especially with the very limited information I have. The best thing to do would be to talk to your own orthopedist and present him with these same questions. After 4 months of PT, are you satisfied with the progress? Is your orthopedist satisfied with your progress and your present condition - the pain, stiffness and popping etc? You should be able to talk to your doctor directly, not just take advice from his secretary. If you feel you aren't satisfied with his answers, get a second opinion. I'm sorry I can't give you any more specific answers this time. Good luck, and keep us posted on how it goes!
Answer:
Radial Collateral Ligament Tear in Elbow
Thanks so much for your quick reply, we did present the questions to his office but did not make it past the secretary. I will be seeking a second opinion on this since it still causes a great interference with my life. I am unable to do a simple thing like wiping the kitchen table with that arm without it popping. As for the PT, I made progress with the extension of my arm ( I have about a 10 degree loss) but as for the pain and swelling it is still there especially while trying to sleep. I don't know if the swelling is caused by the tear or if it is normal for it still to be swollen (injury was in March). I will keep you posted and thanks again so much for your response. ;D