Ipsilateral comminuted distal radius and comminuted radial head fractures with posterolateral elbow dislocation: A case report and literature review

We report an uncommon case of ipsilateral comminuted distal radius and comminuted radial head fractures with posterolateral elbow dislocation. A 51-year-old female had a fall that resulted in a comminuted distal radius fracture with an ipsilateral comminuted radial head fracture and posterolateral dislocation of the elbow. Clinical evaluation revealed that her left elbow was posteriorly dislocated and her left wrist was deformed. Plain radiographs showed an intraarticular fracture of the distal end of the radius and a comminuted radial head fracture with a proximally migrated radius. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) also showed lateral ulnar collateral ligament injuries. We addressed her distal radius with an anatomical locking plate and then treated her comminution radial head fracture with a radial head replacement. Postoperative radiographs showed a good reduction. The Cooney score was 90 at one year postoperatively.