Isolated Traumatic Dislocation of the Radial Head in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report and Literature Review

摘要

Elbow dislocation comprises 6 to 8 of elbow lesions in the pediatric ages. In this group of patients, dislocation of the radial head is associated with a fracture or congenial disorder. Isolated dislocation of the radial head is an unusual injury. We report the case of an infant with isolated dislocation of the radial head treated with open reduction. Intra-operative inspection showed that the distal margin of the annular ligament was twisted proximally over the radial head. Reduction of the radial was achieved by repositioning the annular ligament around the head of the radius. One year after the injury, the patient had normal elbow function. The anatomic underlying lesion was a luxation of the radial head out of the annular ligament, which was in fact intact. The literature review shows that closed reduction is usually, but not always, possible. If closed reduction attempts fail, this injury should not be neglected, but rather the surgeon should proceed to carry out open reduction. The objective of the surgery is to reposition the annular ligament around the radial head.