Elbow dislocation and articular fracture of the distal humerus

Objective To describe dislocation of the elbow with articular fracture of the distal humerus,a type of elbow fracture-dislocation about which little has been written.Methods Four patients with a dislocation of the elbow and fracture of the distal humerus were identified.Three had dislocation and complex intraarticular fracture of the capitellum,trochlea,and lateral epicondyle.Results Two patients(one treated with a second operation to address avascular necrosis of the capitellum)achieved a functional arc of elbow motion and one patient was lost after removal of the implants 3 months after fracture with documented healing.The fourth patient had a complex open fracture dislocation involving the entire articular surface.An attempt to salvage the articular surface resulted in deep infection.Extensive heterotopic bone led to arthrodesis of the elbow.Conclusions Dislocations of the elbow with articular fracture of the humerus are uncommon.Most injuries involve the capitellum,lateral trochlea,and lateral epicondyle.Open reduction and internal fixation of the distal humerus fracture can restore stability without repairing the medial collateral ligament.

Objective To describe dislocation of the elbow with articular fracture of the distal humerus, a type of elbow fracture-dislocation about which little has been written. Methods Four patients with a dislocation of the elbow and fracture of the distal humerus were identified. Three had dislocation and complex intraarticular fracture of the capitellum, trochlea, and lateral epicondyle. Results Two patients （one treated with a second operation to address avaseular necrosis of the capitellum） achieved a functional arc of elbow motion and one patient was lost after removal of the implants 3 months after fracture with documented healing. The fourth patient had a complex open fracture dislocation involving the entire articular surface. An attempt to salvage the articular surface resulted in deep infection. Extensive heterotnpic bone led to arthrodesis of the elbow. Conclusions Dislocations of the elbow with articular fracture of the humerus are uncommon. Most injuries involve the capitellum, lateral trochlea, and lateral epicondyle. Open reduction and internal fixation of the distal humerus fracture can restore stability without repairing the medial collateral ligament.