Diagnosis and Treatment of Terrible Triad Injury of the Elbow with An Isolated Bone Fragment: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Background An isolated radial head fracture fragment was rarely seen on the medial side from terrible triad injury. To date, this fracture pattern has not been previously reported and the mechanism of injury remains unknown. Case Presentation A 37-year-old male suffered the deformity and swelling of left elbow joint after falling from a high place. He was was rushed to the emergency room of the local hospital for reduction and cast immobilization of the dislocated elbow joint. This case described the rarely medial displacement of radial head fracture fragment from terrible triad injury of the elbow, including the radiologic characteristics and possible mechanisms of injury. The combination of medial and lateral incisions was performed and the patient obtained a good recovery. Conclusions The variants of the terrible triad injury of the elbow should be constantly recognized. A detailed surgical plan and favorable prognosis attributed to the the accurate judgment of the fracture and soft tissue injury. Additionally, an assistant incision is often necessary to remove the medial radial head fracture fragment.