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Hmm, haven't looked at this thread for a while .. some pretty odd responses mixed in there

It's been about six months post injury. I've been doing range of motion exercises daily. I've been climbing pretty strong lately (well, for me anyway )

And it looks like I'm starting to get full extension back. Can't complain !

btw I took a spill on my mountain bike (offroad) this past Wednesday .. glad I was wearing elbow pads ! Now I just need to get over the poison oak ...

One handed bump on this thread, need I say more...

Well, tomorrow is exactly one month in to the accident, so I thought I'd update this thread to offer some insight and encouragement to anyone else who might encounter this in the future.

My fracture wasn't too complex. I have a small non-displaced fracture of the radial head, but luckily it's not inside the joint. My ROM has improved significantly over the last month. Rotating the palm up is back at 99% (although not without pain), rotating the palm down is at 100% and without pain. I can't fully stretch my arm yet, and the although the progress was quick at first it seems to have come to a complete standstill over the last week. I'm at about 85% though, so I guess I should be happy with that. Also there's no pain involved in stretching it out. Bending the arm is unfortunately more difficult. I'm back at 90% there too, but bending it involves a lot more pain. There's also still some positions when for instance keeping my arms up at shoulder height in which I can't bend it much.

I've been doing quite intensive PT for the first month and have really benefited from this. Last week due to schedule issues I didn't visit the PT and I must say that it has made a big difference in stifness and pain, so I'm definitely going back in the next couple of weeks.

I've lost quite a lot of muscle in the left arm and weight lifting or any kind of strength training is definitely still out of the question. I fear this might take quite a while to heal.

Not happy to hear about your accident, but glad to hear things are on the mend !

2.5 years later I still do ROM exercises a few days a week. Rotating the joint makes crunching noises (which I am told is common), but the range is pretty much back. Have not had any issues cycling or climbing.

Cranking on some sweet hand jams in Yosemite Valley a few weeks ago


Rehab is a pain but patience and persistence are your friends