Brachial artery laceration with closed posterior elbow dislocation in an eight year old

Abstract

Elbow dislocations are relatively uncommon in children. Rupture of the brachial artery associated with closed elbow dislocations in children is rare. This is a report of an 8-year-old boy, the youngest patient ever to be reported to have a closed posterior dislocation of the elbow associated with a brachial artery laceration. The boy incurred a closed elbow dislocation after a fall onto his outstretched arm. On physical examination, both radial and ulnar (ulnar) pulses were absent. Radiographs showed a posterolateral dislocation of the right elbow and distal fractures of the radius and ulna. Operative exploration of the antecubital fossa showed complete transection of the brachial artery. Repair of the vessel was performed using an interposition vein graft. The distal forearm fractures were managed by closed reduction. At the two-year postoperative follow-up examination, the patient had a normal neurovascular examination with full range of motion of his elbow and wrist. Surgical treatment should include exploration of the antecubital fossa and reconstruction of the injured vessels.