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| CASE REPORTS |
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| Year : 1992 | Volume
: 38
| Issue : 3 | Page : 143 |
Isolated posterior dislocation of the radial head in an adult.
AK Negi, MD Pestonji, S Iyer
Dept of Orthopaedics, TN Medical College, Bombay, Maharashtra.
Correspondence Address:
A K Negi
Dept of Orthopaedics, TN Medical College, Bombay, Maharashtra.
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
PMID: 0001303419 
Isolated posterior dislocation of the radial head was detected on X-ray in a patient following a vehicular accident. Such a dislocation without an associated fracture is extremely rare in adults. Immobilization of the elbow in full pronation and 90 degrees flexion for 4 weeks normalized the position of the head of the radius.
Keywords: Adult, Case Report, Dislocations, radiography,therapy,Elbow Joint, injuries,radiography,Female, Human,
How to cite this article:
Negi A K, Pestonji M D, Iyer S. Isolated posterior dislocation of the radial head in an adult. J Postgrad Med 1992;38:143 |
Isolated posterior dislocation of the radial head without an associated fracture of the uina in an adult in a very rare injury[1].
A 25-year-old female reported to the emergency room for complaints of pain and swelling of the left elbow following a vehicular accident. An X-ray of the left elbow was reported as normal. The elbow was immobilized in a plaster slab.
When the same radiograph was reviewed 3 days later on a follow-up visit to the out-patient department, an isolated posterior dislocation of the radial head was noted. (See [Figure - 1]) A fresh X-ray taken on that day showed the radius to be relocated.
On examination, the elbow joint had full range of movement but on supination, the radial head dislocated out of its normal position leaving a palpable hollow. On pronating the forearm, the head of the radius got reduced with a click. Examination of other joints revealed that patient had no unusual laxity of the soft tissues as seen in conditions like Ehier - Danlos syndrome. As the head of radius was reduced on pronating the forearm, the elbow was immobilized in full pronation and 90? flexion for 4 weeks. The end result was a normal elbow with full range of movement.
Isolated posterior dislocation of the radial head without an associated fracture in an adult is an extremely rare injury. Though it has been described often[1], it has been reported only once[2]. Earlier reports of radial head dislocation have been associated with either fractures of the ulna[3], or when isolated, restricted to children[4] or adolescents[5].
The authors thank the Dean, BYL Nair Hospital for allowing access to the patient's records and permission to publish the same.
| :: References | |  |
| 1. |
Smith FM. Surgery of the Elbow. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: WB Saunders; 1972; 241-244.  |
| 2. | Heidt RS, Stern PJ. Isolated posterior dislocation of the radial head - a case report. Clin Orthop 1982; 168:136-139. |
| 3. | Bado JL. The Monteggia Lesion. Clin Orthop 1967; 50:71-78. |
| 4. | Stelling FH, Cote RH. Traumatic dislocation of head of radius in children. JAMA 1956; 160:732-737. |
| 5. | Miller TO, Insall J. Radial head subluxation in adolescence. NY State J Med 1975; 1:80-82.
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Figures
[Figure - 1]
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