Traumatic elbow dislocation in a patient with congenital radioulnar synostosis.

Abstract

This case report describes a traumatic elbow dislocation in a patient with congenital radioulnar synostosis. It discusses the difficulties and potential complications of managing this complicated injury. Congenital radioulnar synostosis (CRUS) is a rare elbow pathology that is characterised by the abnormal fusion of the proximal radius and ulna bones at the elbow. This case report describes a traumatic posterior elbow dislocation in a 30 year old patient with CRUS. Patients with CRUS are more susceptible to elbow dislocation due to laxity of stabilising ligaments and increased stiffness of the forearm leading to greater force transfer to the elbow. CRUS should be considered in patients with difficult to reduce elbow dislocations.