Published in:
01-12-2010 | Case Report
Transverse dislocation of the elbow with ipsilateral shaft of radius fracture in an adult
Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery | Issue 6/2010
Login to get accessAbstract
Study design
A report of a rare case of transverse dislocation of the elbow associated with fracture of the shaft of the ipsilateral radius.
Objective
To describe a rare variety of elbow dislocation associated with radial shaft fracture.
Introduction
Transverse dislocation of the elbow is a rare injury and most of the cases have been described in pediatric patients. Association of this injury with fracture of forearm bones is rare. We describe a case of transverse dislocation of the elbow associated with a fracture of the ipsilateral shaft of the radius in an adult.
Material and methods
A 21-year-old male patient sustained trauma to his left upper limb in a traffic accident. Radiographic evaluation revealed transverse dislocation of the elbow and fracture of the shaft of the ipsilateral radius. Closed reduction of the elbow dislocation was carried out followed by open reduction and internal fixation of the fracture.
Results
Eight months after trauma, the patient is asymptomatic with complete range of motion and no instability. Radiographs show a well-healed fracture and congruent elbow joint.
Conclusion
To the best of our knowledge, this is first case of transverse dislocation of the elbow with an ipsilateral radial shaft fracture in an adult. Closed reduction of such dislocations is usually achievable, though open reduction may be required in some case.