The importance of elbow aspiration when treating radial head fractures.

A prospective study of elbow aspiration was performed to assess the effect of this procedure on pain relief and function following Type I and II fractures of the radial head. Aspiration of the haemarthrosis produced dramatic pain relief in 77% of elbows thus treated. Earlier return of function was also noted for these elbows compared to controls. We recommend elbow aspiration for patients with these fractures to both relieve pain and restore early function.