Elbow dislocation with ipsilateral distal radius fracture
A 20-year-old male presented to our emergency department after falling from his bike and landing on his outstretched right hand. He complained of pain over right elbow joint and wrist joint. On physical examination, right elbow was grossly deformed and swelling was present over the wrist joint. Tenderness was present over both wrist and elbow joint. Range of motion of elbow and wrist joint were both painful and were not assessed. There was no distal neurovascular deficit. Plain radiographs showed posterior elbow dislocation and distal radius fracture with intraarticular extension [Figure and ]. Closed reduction of the dislocated elbow joint was immediately performed with elbow in extension under sedation. Distal radius fracture was then reduced with elbow in flexion. Because the patient did not want surgery for distal radius, it was decided to manage the fracture conservatively. An above-elbow cast was applied for 4 weeks, which was then converted to a below-elbow cast [Figure and ]. The cast was then removed after 2 more weeks. Active elbow and wrist movements were started after 6 weeks of trauma. At 6 months follow-up, patient has regained full flexion and extension of elbow and wrist joint and full pronation and supination of forearm. He has resumed his occupation as a laborer.