Isolated, Traumatic Anterior Dislocation of the Radial Head In An Adult

Abstract

European Journal of Trauma Ab stractIsolated radial head dislocation in adults is extremely rare and has been predominantly posterior. A case of isolated, acute anterior dislocation of the radial head in an adult is reported. A 26-year-old male sustained an isolated radial head dislocation following a fall on the outstretched hand. The dislocation was treated by closed reduction and transcapitellar Kirschner wire fixation. At final follow-up the patient had recovered full range of motion of the elbow. Radiographs of the forearm including elbow and wrist were normal. A management algorithm for this injury is proposed, based on a review of the literature.

Isolated traumatic posterior dislocation of the radial head in an adult, a rare injury: New case report

“…Numerous studies have examined distal radioulnar joint instability, but a paucity of information exists regarding the biomechanics of the proximal radioulnar joint [ 2 ]. The mechanism leading to an isolated radial head dislocation has been variously described and most authors describe an indirect trauma [ 6 , 7 ]. Various mechanisms have been postulated for isolated dislocation of radial head, like hyperpronating force acting on an already pronated forearm while falling backwards with an extended elbow or falling forward on an extended elbow with the forearm in pronation and rolling of the body causing further hyperpronation [ 7 ].…”