Abstract
Fracture dislocations are common around the elbow joint. However, closed fracture of the distal radius with ipsilateral elbow dislocation is an uncommon injury pattern. We discuss the case of a middle-aged woman presenting with posterolateral elbow dislocation with concomitant ipsilateral closed intra-articular fracture of the distal radius. It was treated with closed reduction for the elbow dislocation first followed by closed reduction for the distal radius fracture. Even with conservative management, the patient had a good functional outcome at one year. The importance and incidence of such a rare injury pattern and the possible mechanism of injury has been discussed.
Highlights
Distal radius fractures are one of the most commonly encountered trauma cases in any orthopaedic casualty [1]
The association of distal radius fracture with concomitant ipsilateral postero-lateral elbow dislocation has been rarely described in the literature [2,3,4]
We present the case of a middle-aged female presenting with closed intra-articular distal radius fracture and ipsilateral postero-lateral dislocation of the elbow, which was managed with closed reduction of both the above injuries with good results
Summary
Distal radius fractures are one of the most commonly encountered trauma cases in any orthopaedic casualty [1]. Plain radiographs revealed severely-comminuted distal radius fracture with dorsal angulation with intra-articular extension, along with concomitant ipsilateral posterolateral elbow dislocation (Figure 1). Congruent reduction of the elbow joint and acceptable reduction of the severely comminuted distal radius fracture with intra-articular extension (white arrows). At the follow-up of one year, she had a good functional outcome with painless, full extension and flexion movements of the wrist and the elbow joint as well as full range of pronation and supination. She could resume her household work without any functional deficit
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