Irreducible posterolateral elbow dislocation: A case report

Abstract

Elbow dislocations are very common, particularly in the posterolateral variety. Closed reduction is usually easy. However, an irreducible elbow dislocation without associated fracture is rare. We report the case of a 21-year-old patient who presented with an isolated posterolateral irreducible elbow dislocation. Open reduction revealed the buttonhole radial head in the capsule and the complex ligaments. A significant protrusion of the radial head associated with a closed reduction failure is highly suspicious of an irreducible dislocation.

Highlights

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  Irreducible elbow dislocation without associated fracture is extremely rare.

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  A buttonhole aspect of radial head is characteristic.

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  An enormous radial head protrusion with a reduction failure made the diagnosis.