Elbow dislocation associated with bifocal radial fracture: A case report

Abstract

Introduction: Radial diaphyseal fractures are relatively common in daily trauma practice. We present a unique case of a bifocal radial fracture associated with a posterolateral elbow dislocation.

Case report: A 36-year-old obese female patient was admitted to our service after a low-energy fall in stairs. She presented with a radial diaphyseal fracture, a radial neck fracture with approximately 15° angulation, and a posterolateral elbow dislocation. The first procedure involved an urgent reduction of the elbow dislocation, followed by surgical fixation of the bifocal radial fractures and reattachment of the external and posterolateral elbow structures.

Conclusion: A bifocal radial fracture associated with an elbow dislocation is, to our knowledge, a previously unreported injury. The clinical outcome after osteosynthesis and elbow stabilization was favorable.

Keywords: Bifocal radial fracture; Elbow dislocation; Elbow instability.

Fig. 1

X ray before elbow reduction.

Fig. 2

3D reconstruction of the bifocal radial fracture after elbow reduction.

Fig. 3

Post-operative X rays.

Fig. 4

X rays at 5 months of follow-up.

Fig. 5

Elbow range of motion at 5 months of follow up.