Ipsilateral olecranon and distal radius fracture: A case report

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Traumatology

Background:

• Concomitant ipsilateral olecranon and distal radius fractures represent a rare injury pattern.
• The clinical presentation, investigation, and management of these fractures are not well-documented in existing literature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a case of a concomitant ipsilateral olecranon and distal radius fracture.
• To discuss the diagnostic and therapeutic considerations for this rare injury.

Main Methods:

• A case presentation of a 55-year-old female patient with a fall-induced ipsilateral olecranon and distal radius fracture.
• Surgical management involved open reduction and internal fixation for the olecranon fracture and closed reduction with percutaneous K-wire fixation and external fixation for the distal radius fracture.
• Post-operative physical therapy was initiated.

Main Results:

• Radiographic confirmation of both distal radius and olecranon fractures.
• Successful surgical fixation of both fractures.
• Good functional outcomes were achieved post-physical therapy, with a DASH score of 60.

Conclusions:

• Concurrent ipsilateral olecranon and distal radius fractures are exceptionally rare, with limited prior reports in the English literature.
• This injury pattern results from distinct trauma mechanisms, emphasizing the need to suspect associated injuries in adjacent joints and structures.
• Awareness of this rare injury is crucial for appropriate clinical management.