Olecranon With Concomitant Radial Head Fracture: A Case Series of Fifteen Patients

FRACTURE-DISLOCATIONS OF THE ELBOW: CAN THEY INFLUENCE THE PATTERN FRACTURE OF RADIAL HEAD?

Introduction

Radial head fractures are consistently part of a terrible triad of the elbow and can occur in association with Monteggia fracture-dislocations, transolecranon fractures, and their variations. Understanding the degree of comminution of the radial head fracture and the location of fragments determines the course of action to be taken.

Objectives

To correlate fracture-dislocations with the pattern of radial head fracture (number of fragments) and involvement in the proximal radioulnar region.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective study (level II) of patients undergoing surgery for radial head fractures associated with fracture-dislocations. Patients had radiographs in anteroposterior and lateral views, as well as tomography. The number of radial head fracture fragments and the presence of fractures in the proximal radioulnar region were correlated with the type of fracture-dislocation and demographic variables.

Conclusion

Elbow fracture-dislocation types could not predict the number of fragments and the location of radial head fractures. However, most injuries presented three or more fragments in the radial head, and many had involvement of the proximal radioulnar region, suggesting high-energy trauma. Level of Evidence II; Retrospective Study.

Olecranon stress fracture in a gymnastics player: Insight into an early detection and integrated care approach: Case report

We describe a case report of a 13 year-old a gymnastic athlete who was diagnosed with an olecranon stress fracture associated with mild medial epicondyle apophysitis, Following a brief review of the literature on this case, the researchers call attention to the significance of and imaging assessment especially MR in determining the correct diagnosis and identifying concomitant injuries. MRI findings concluded firstly a marked bone marrow edema seen at the posterior medial aspect of the olecranon with linear low signal traversing the olecranon related to a stress fracture. Secondly, subchondral linear low signal and bone marrow edema at the radial head related to another stress fracture/reaction injury. Thirdly, bone marrow edema at the medial apophysis with overlying soft tissue edema suggestive for medial epicondylitis.