Pediatric Floating Elbow Caused by a Novel Mechanism: A Case Report

Al-Battat, Mustafa Yousef; Alhathloul, Hisham; Saleh, Mohammed Almohammed; Althabit, Fatimah

doi:10.7759/cureus.29124

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 34 publications

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“…This resulted in the child being carried along for several meters, ultimately leading to severe fractures. Our case is similar to a report wherein a child sustained a comparably severe floating elbow fracture after inserting his hand into a washing machine ( 6 ). Based on our radiographic findings, the primary cause of such severe fractures was a forceful twisting motion, which could lead to multiple upper limb fractures, nerve damage, and even potential avulsion injuries in the soft tissue.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

Case report: Pediatric floating elbow fracture with monteggia-equivalent lesion, ipsilateral humeral shaft fracture, and radial nerve injury: a unique case and favorable treatment outcomes

Lin

2023

Front. Pediatr.

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This case report presents a rare and intricate pediatric floating elbow fracture involving a Monteggia-equivalent fracture, ipsilateral humeral shaft fracture, and radial nerve injury. The unique mechanism of injury highlights the importance of increased awareness and parental education for accident prevention. Elastic intramedullary nailing was employed for both humeral shaft and forearm fractures, leading to favorable outcomes. Despite the severity of the fractures and radial nerve injury, the prognosis was positive, with nerve function restoration and satisfactory functional recovery. However, the development of avascular necrosis of the radial head remains a challenge, emphasizing the need for further research to better understand and manage these uncommon and complex injuries.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

Case report: Pediatric floating elbow fracture with monteggia-equivalent lesion, ipsilateral humeral shaft fracture, and radial nerve injury: a unique case and favorable treatment outcomes

Lin

2023

Front. Pediatr.

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“…Novel mechanisms like accidental rotating injuries to the upper limb after grinding in washing machines or spin dryers are also reported in the literature. The crux is that these injuries are severe and are high-impact injuries with significant involvement of soft tissues 9…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Paediatric bilateral ‘floating elbow’

Rangasamy,

Maheshwari,

Ghosh

et al. 2024

BMJ Case Rep

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A child sustained an ipsilateral supracondylar humerus (SCH) and distal both-bone forearm fractures bilaterally, in addition to facial injuries, following a fall from height. He was managed surgically by closed reduction and pinning for both SCH and distal end radius fractures bilaterally. At the final follow-up, all the fractures had united uneventfully, and he had no functional limitations or cosmetic concerns. We conclude that a floating elbow in the paediatric population is an uncommon injury, and the bilateral scenario is even rarer. One should be vigilant for compartment syndrome; early surgical fixation may give better results.

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Floating elbow in children: Factors associated with serious complications

Vergara,

Fretes

2023

JMSR

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Objectives: Simultaneous ipsilateral humerus and forearm fractures are rare injuries commonly caused by high-energy trauma. They are known for their higher potential for complications than isolated injuries on the same sites. There is no standardized management nor universally accepted classification for this condition. This study aimed to describe our experience with these injuries. Methods: This is a retrospective study of consecutive cases treated from June 2018 to December 2022. The following variables were assessed: age, sex, affected side, mechanism of injury, type of humeral fracture, type of forearm fracture, presence of bone exposure, associated injuries, treatment performed, complications, and elbow functionality according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). Results: Thirty-four cases were analyzed, 58.8% of which were male. The mean age was 6.7 years (6 months–15 years). The most frequent mechanism was spin cycle rotatory injuries. The most affected location in the humerus was the diaphysis (55.8%), and 79.4% of fractures involved both forearm bones. Open fractures accounted for 23.5% of the cases. Regarding the treatments performed, fixation of at least one bone was performed in 32 cases (94%), and both sites were fixed in 24 cases (70.5%). Complications occurred in 26.5% of cases, of which 8.8% were compartment syndromes, and no implant-related infections were reported. All compartment syndromes were related to the torsion trauma caused by the spin cycle rotatory injuries. Elbow function graded according to the MEPS was excellent in 50% of patients. Conclusion: Floating elbow injuries are rare serious injuries. Spin cycle rotatory injuries further increase the complexity of treatment and the potential for complications.

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Pediatric Floating Elbow Caused by a Novel Mechanism: A Case Report

Cited by 3 publications

References 34 publications

Case report: Pediatric floating elbow fracture with monteggia-equivalent lesion, ipsilateral humeral shaft fracture, and radial nerve injury: a unique case and favorable treatment outcomes

Case report: Pediatric floating elbow fracture with monteggia-equivalent lesion, ipsilateral humeral shaft fracture, and radial nerve injury: a unique case and favorable treatment outcomes

Paediatric bilateral ‘floating elbow’

Floating elbow in children: Factors associated with serious complications

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