Abstract
IntroductionDistal radius fractures are common and account for approximately 14% to 18% of all adult extremity injuries. On rare occasions, ipsilateral elbow dislocation can be observed additionally. The aim of this study was to analyse the mechanism and level of injury, demographics, and associated injuries in distal radius fractures with ipsilateral elbow dislocations.Methods:Between 2012 and 2019, we searched our trauma database for distal radius fractures with ipsilateral elbow dislocations. All patients older than 18 years old were included. Data on demographics, mechanism of injury, level of energy, and subsequent treatments were collected. ResultsA total of 7 patients were identified. The mean age was 68.7 ± 13.3 years old and the left side was involved in 71.4% of cases. Females were affected in 85.7% (n=6/7) of cases. All suffered from low-energy mechanism without other orthopaedic injuries at a mean age of 71.5 ± 12.3 years old. The one male patient that was included suffered from high-energy trauma at 52 years of age. Most commonly, posterior elbow dislocations were observed (66.7%; n=4/6). Distal radius fracture patterns include two C2, two C3, and one case each of C1-type and B1-type fracture pattern in the low energy group. In the group of patients who sustained high energy trauma, associated injuries include a concomitant open elbow dislocation, an ulnar artery rupture and damage to the flexor digitorum superficialis muscle.ConclusionAlthough distal radius fracture with ipsilateral elbow dislocation is thought to be resulting from high energy injuries, this study shows that most patients were elderly females suffering from low energy mechanisms. If not suspected, this could be missed especially in the setting of altered mental status. Careful physical examination of one joint proximal and one joint distal to the presumed site of injury is recommended.
A unique case of complex elbow dislocation with isolated ipsilateral distal radius fracture
