Management of Isolated Post Traumatic Radial Head Dislocation in a Child: A Case Report

Abstract

Post-traumatic dislocation of the radial head is a rare injury, generally described in the case of the Monteggia fracture associating a fracture of the ulnar diaphysis and a dislocation of the radial head. We report an exceptional case of an isolated post-traumatic dislocation in a 6-year-old child, who presented to our emergency department following a fall from a bike with a reception on the outstretched left arm. Clinical examination showed a swollen left elbow painful to palpation with a limited and painful range of motion of the elbow especially pronation-supination. Plain radiographs of the left elbow and forearm showed an isolated anterior dislocation of the radial head. Reduction was carefully performed followed by an above-the-elbow cast for 4 weeks with good functional and radiological outcome. Through this case report we insist on a systematic careful interpretation of plain radiographs of the elbow in children. With these precautions, diagnosis is not overlooked and an early management is initiated when the closed reduction is still possible.