Elbow Dislocation With Associated Essex-Lopresti Injury: A Case Treated Conservatively

A 23-year-old woman suffered a posterior elbow dislocation, distal radius intraarticular fracture, distal radioulnar joint subluxation, and coronoid process fracture, suggesting an Essex-Lopresti injury variant. Closed reduction for the elbow dislocation was performed, and the limb was immobilized at a 90-degree angle with the forearm in a neutral position with a long posterior splint. Three months later complete fracture healing was noted radiologically. One year post-injury full range of motion regarding flexion, pronation, and supination was achieved with only 10 degrees of extension deficit remaining, suggesting a case of Essex-Lopresti injury managed conservatively with excellent results.