Radial Head Incarceration After Closed Reduction of a Pediatric Elbow Dislocation With a Radial Neck Fracture: A Case Report

J Am Acad Orthop Surg Glob Res Rev. 2022 Jul 12;6(7):e21.00319. doi: 10.5435/JAAOSGlobal-D-21-00319. eCollection 2022 Jul 1.

Abstract

Case: A 10-year-old girl sustained a radial neck fracture with a posterior elbow dislocation. She was treated with closed reduction of the elbow with subsequent intra-articular displacement of the radial head, which necessitated open reduction and pinning of the radial neck fracture.

Conclusion: Displacement of the radial neck fracture from impingement of the capitellum on the anterior radial head during closed reduction of the elbow dislocation is a rare injury pattern. It is important to examine the radial neck in high-energy posterior elbow dislocations before attempted reduction. We present a case with imaging depicting the injury mechanism and successful management with subsequent open reduction and fixation of the radial neck fracture.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Elbow
  • Elbow Injuries*
  • Elbow Joint* / diagnostic imaging
  • Elbow Joint* / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Joint Dislocations* / diagnostic imaging
  • Joint Dislocations* / etiology
  • Joint Dislocations* / surgery
  • Radiography
  • Radius Fractures* / complications
  • Radius Fractures* / diagnostic imaging
  • Radius Fractures* / surgery