Diagnosis and treatment of acute Essex-Lopresti injury

Abstract

Objective To study the methods of diagnose and treatment of acute radial head fracture accompanied by distal radioulnar joint dislocation (Essex-Lopresti injury). Methods From 2002 to 2009,3 patients with acute Essex-Lopresti injury were diagnosed and treated in our department. Radial head fractures were treated with fixation repair or radial head prosthesis replacement. Distal radioulnar joint dislocations were treated with reduction and fixation. All three patients were followed-up and the effects were assessed. Results Total time of follow-up ranged from 15 to 48 months. According to the elbow joint and wrist joint scoring systems,results of postoperative functions were satisfactory. Conclusion Acute Essex-Lopresti injuries should be treated with radial head fracture fixation or replacement,and simultaneous reduction and fixation of the dislocated distal radioulnar joint. When fracture of the radial head is too comminuted to be repaired,simple resection of the radial head is not an option since it will result in failure. Key words: Fractures,bone; Arthroplasty,replacement; Dislocations; Essex-Lopresti injury