Concomitant Posterolateral Elbow Dislocation with Ipsilateral Comminuted Intra-articular Distal Radius Fracture: A Rare Orthopaedic Scenario

Abstract

Fracture dislocations are common around the elbow joint. However, closed fracture of the distal radius with ipsilateral elbow dislocation is an uncommon injury pattern. We discuss the case of a middle-aged woman presenting with posterolateral elbow dislocation with concomitant ipsilateral closed intra-articular fracture of the distal radius. It was treated with closed reduction for the elbow dislocation first followed by closed reduction for the distal radius fracture. Even with conservative management, the patient had a good functional outcome at one year. The importance and incidence of such a rare injury pattern and the possible mechanism of injury has been discussed.