J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2016 Oct;51(5):443-446. 10.4055/jkoa.2016.51.5.443.

Isolated Traumatic Radial Head Anterior Dislocation Treated with Open Reduction in Children

• Chung W
• Park H
• Sung S

• KMID: 2355511
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2016.51.5.443

Abstract

Isolated traumatic radial head anterior dislocation without associated injuries is uncommon in pediatric patients. If diagnosed on time, most cases can be reduced by closed reduction. In some cases, the radial head was found to be trapped between annular ligament, anterior joint capsule and a buttonhole tear of the brachialis muscle, preventing closed reduction. This is a very uncommon injury and the diagnosis can be overlooked. We report a case of a 7-year-old girl who sustained an irreducible isolated dislocation of the radial head which was reduced with open reduction.

Keyword

radial head; traumatic dislocation; open reduction

MeSH Terms

Child*
Diagnosis
Dislocations*
Female
Head*
Humans
Joint Capsule
Ligaments
Tears

Figure

• 

  Figure 1 Radiographs of the elbow show an antero-medially dislocated radial head.

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  Figure 2 (A) Intraoperative photo shows transbrachialis buttonholing of the radial head. (B) Intraoperative photo shows restoration of the radiocapitellar joint after release of the brachialis muscle and anterior capsule. (C, D) Postoperative radiographs of the elbow show the radial head in reduced position. BR, brachialis; AC, anterior capsule; RH, radial head; CP, capitellum.

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  Figure 3 Final follow-up radiographs of the elbow show the radial head in right position.

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