Isolated Traumatic Dislocation of the Radial Head in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review

We report the case of an infant with isolated dislocation of the radial head treated with open reduction. Intraoperative inspection showed that the distal margin of the annular ligament was twisted proximally over the radial head. Reduction of the radial was achieved by repositioning the annular ligament around the head of the radius. One year after the injury, the patient had normal elbow function. The anatomic underlying lesion was a luxation of the radial head out of the annular ligament, which was in fact intact. The literature review shows that closed reduction is usually, but not always, possible. If closed reduction attempts fail, this injury should not be neglected, but rather the surgeon should proceed to carry out open reduction. The objective of the surgery is to reposition the annular ligament around the radial head.

Source: Techniques in Shoulder and Elbow Surgery - May 2, 2018 Category: Orthopaedics Tags: Techniques Source Type: research