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A Retrospective Study on Traumatic Elbow Dislocation in Adults in a Tertiary Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Abdulaziz F Alkheraiji1, Ismail Almogbil2, Moath Aljohani2
1Department of Orthopaedics, Majmaah University, Majmaah, SAU.
Cureus
|May 16, 2023
Summary
Radial head fractures are common in adult elbow dislocations, affecting 60% of patients. While X-rays often suffice, computed tomography (CT) can reveal subtle injuries, aiding diagnosis of elbow dislocations.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Trauma Care
- Radiology
Background:
- Elbow dislocations are common injuries presenting to emergency departments.
- Radial head fractures frequently accompany elbow dislocations, impacting treatment and outcomes.
- Understanding the incidence and characteristics of these combined injuries is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency and characteristics of radial head fractures in adults with elbow dislocations.
- To evaluate the diagnostic utility of plain radiography versus computed tomography (CT) for these injuries.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of adult patients with elbow dislocations at a tertiary trauma center.
- Inclusion criteria: age 18-65, traumatic elbow dislocation.
- Data collection included patient demographics, dislocation type, and radial head fracture presence and diagnosis method (X-ray, CT).
Main Results:
- 80 male patients (mean age 36.9 ± 8.8 years) were analyzed.
- Posterolateral dislocation was the most common type (81.3%).
- Radial head fractures were present in 60% of cases; 91.3% diagnosed by X-ray, 8.8% by CT.
Conclusions:
- Radial head fractures are highly prevalent in traumatic elbow dislocations.
- Plain radiography is effective for most diagnoses, but CT is valuable for subtle injuries.
- Routine CT is recommended for suspected elbow dislocations to ensure complete assessment and avoid missed fractures.
