Bilateral medial epicondyle fractures with elbow dislocations in an adolescent female athlete

Abstract

To date, only two cases of bilateral elbow dislocations with medial epicondyle fractures have been reported. The current case is an 11-year-old girl who sustained bilateral elbow dislocations with medial epicondyle fractures by landing on extended elbows while performing a back handspring on a trampoline. Closed reduction and splinting were performed in the emergency room. Open reduction with screw fixation of the medial epicondyle fractures was performed in the operating room. Post-operatively, the patient was splinted for eight days followed by range of motion exercises. She returned to full sports participation at 15 weeks. On final follow-up 24 months later, the patient had full range of motion, normal strength, and normal neurovascular examination. Compared to the two previous case reports in the literature, this is the only case report demonstrating full range of motion, full strength, and full return to sports after bilateral elbow dislocation with medial epicondyle fractures. Keys to complete recovery included internal fixation with a screw and washer followed by early range of motion.