Ulnar nerve entrapment complicating radial head excision

INTRODUCTION: Several mechanisms are involved in ischemia or mechanical compression of ulnar nerve at the elbow. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We hereby present the case of a road accident victim, who received a radial head excision for an isolated fracture of the radial head and complicated by onset of cubital tunnel syndrome. This outcome could be the consequence of an iatrogenic valgus of the elbow due to excision of the radial head. Hitherto the surgical treatment of choice it is gradually been abandoned due to development of radial head implant arthroplasty. However, this management option is still being performed in some rural centers with low resources. DISCUSSION: The radial head plays an important role in the stability of the elbow and his iatrogenic deformity can be complicated by cubital tunnel syndrome. CONCLUSION: An ulnar nerve release was performed with favorable outcome.