Introduction: Elbow dislocation is frequently associated with bony and osteochondral postero-lateral capitellar lesions that are often under-reported. We aim to examine the radiological signs of postero-lateral lesions on Computer Tomography (CT) .
Methods: A retrospective analysis of CT scans was performed. Patients were classified into 4 groups: 1) simple elbow dislocation, 2) elbow dislocation with a fracture of the coronoid tip, 3) elbow dislocation with coronoid tip fracture and a radial head fracture inferior or equal to the anterior third, 4) terrible triad defined as elbow dislocation with concomitant coronoid and a radial head fracture with a more important involvement. Patients with a more complex fracture pattern were excluded. The presence of POstero Lateral Engagement of Soft Tissue And the Radial head (POLESTAR) patterns was analyzed and subclassified as impaction type or fragmentation type.
Results: 51 CT scans met the inclusion criteria. POLESTAR lesions were identified in 48 cases (94%): 46% impaction type and 54% fragmentation type POLESTAR. Analyzing patients from grade 1 to 4, impaction type POLESTAR was found respectively from 40% to 57%, while fragmentation type was present from 60% to 43%.
Conclusions: This study shows a high incidence of POLESTAR lesions (94%) that can be present as impaction type or fragmentation type. Based on our preliminary results, impaction type is more common in Grades 3 and 4, while fragmentation type is more frequent in grades 1 or 2.
Keywords: CT-Scan; Dislocation; Elbow; Fracture; Lesions; Radial head; Soft tissue.
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