Posterolateral elbow dislocation with entrapment of the medial epicondyle in children: a case report

Elbow dislocations in children are uncommon injuries. Dislocations with associated fractures or so-called complex dislocations of the elbow can be challenging to diagnose and treat.

A 14-year-old male had a posterolateral elbow dislocation after a fall. Closed reduction with traction was performed. Radiographs after initial reduction showed a fragment entrapped into the humero-cubital joint. Computerized tomography scan showed the fragment belonging to the medial epicondyle. Open reduction and internal fixation with a 3.0 millimeter cannulated screw was performed, with restoring of the normal function of the elbow at final follow up.

Elbow dislocations in children can be associated with bone lesions. These injuries must be suspected to avoid misleading diagnosis and achieve good results.