Internal fixation of radial neck fracture in a fracture dislocation of the elbow. A case report.

Abstract

A 27-year-old manual laborer presented with dislocation of the right elbow, complete separation of the radial head at the neck level, and avulsion of the coronoid process. Closed reduction of the elbow resulted in ulnohumeral instability. As an alternative to silastic implant, the radial head was reduced, internally fixed, and used as a spacer to restore elbow stability. The radial head fracture healed with no sequelae. At two years follow-up examination, the patient had a stable elbow with nearly full range of motion.