Terrible Triad of the Elbow with Simultaneous Fractures of the Ipsilateral Distal Radius

Abstract

Introduction

Dislocations of the elbow joint are common and usually involve proximal radius or ulna fracture. In general, forearm fractures occur independently [1]. Among all injuries caused in the extremities, distal radius fractures accounted for 14% [2]. Distal radius fractures associated with elbow dislocation are rare [3,4]. Only a few reports in the literature on elbow fracture-dislocation with ipsilateral distal radius fracture have no data on the incidence rate [1,4,5].

When a patient falls on an outstretched arm, the forces transmitted to the arm are typically loads that will be directed predominantly through either the distal radius alone or the elbow; the incidence of combined injuries is unusual. Several factors influence the management of a fracture, including the level of displacement, fracture pattern, patient’s physical demands, and his/her age [2]. These two cases represent a terrible triad with ipsilateral distal radius fracture management and follow-up.

Case Report

Case 1: A 22-year-old male, medically free, was Referred from a peripheral hospital to our tertiary hospital with a history of fall from 4 meters height. Resuscitation of the patient was performed according to the Advanced Trauma. Life Support protocol. Regarding orthopedics, the individual appears to have a history of right elbow dislocation with a reduction attempt in a previous hospital [Figure: 1].