Radial Head Replacement

University of Virginia Orthopaedic Surgery

Weight-Bearing

NWB surgical UE until 12 weeks minimum

Key Restrictions

NWB until 12 weeks; no compression/distraction activities (bench press, pullups, pushups) until 6 months postop; no resistance elbow strengthening until 6 weeks; forearm position during rehab depends on collateral repair: LCL repair = maintain pronation limit supination to neutral x3-4 wks; MCL repair = maintain supination limit pronation to neutral x3-4 wks; both = neutral midrange

Timeline & Phases

Phase 1 (0-2 wks): posterior long arm splint; Phase 2 (2-6 wks): hinged EO blocking terminal 30-60° extension progressively, protected forearm position per collateral repair status, AROM wrist, light grip at week 4; Phase 3 (6-12 wks): wean hinged EO (6-8 weeks), wrist/elbow isometrics and 1-5 lbs from wk 6-8, resume ADLs wk 8-12; avoid >15 lbs and compression/distraction until 6 months

Notes

NWB until 12 weeks per surgeon; avoid bench press/pullups/pushups until 6 months postop; hinged EO increases extension ROM by 15°/week or 10°/5 days; forearm position depends on LCL/MCL/both repair status; no lifting >15 lbs until 8-12 weeks minimum

Published

09/2024