OUR EXPERINCE OF A CASE OF TERRIBLE TRIAD OF ELBOW

Abstract

AbstractDislocation of the elbow joint in association with fracture of radial head and fracture of coronoid process, is referred to as “terrible triad” of the elbow, the treatment of which provides a challenge to treating surgeon due to its complicated outcomes. The understanding of the elbow kinematics, the usage of various implants and surgical techniques in the recent years has led to the development of standard treatment protocols. The 'terrible triad' of the elbow is a severe injury that is difficult to treat and has a poor prognosis in the medium-tolong term. It is characterised most often by instability of the elbow, development of arthrosis and joint stiffness.A 43 year old lady presented to us after a fall on outstretched dominant hand with severe pain and swelling around elbow. She had sustained a fracture of the radial neck and coronoid process with posterolateral dislocation of elbow. Immediate Closed reduction of the dislocation was performed under GA and elbow was immobilised in a plaster of paris slab for 3 weeks. She underwent operative procedure of open reduction and internal fixation of the radial head with a titanium plate and the coronoid process with a 4mm screw and washer after 10 days.After 3 weeks elbow rehabilitation was begun and at one year post surgery there was signs of fracture healing with full range of motion of the elbow.