Surgical treatment for acute longitudinal radioulnar dissociation with humeral capitellar fracture: A case report

J Hand Microsurg. 2024 Mar 5;16(3):100052. doi: 10.1016/j.jham.2024.100052. eCollection 2024 Aug.

Abstract

Background: The forearm connects the wrist and elbow joints, and its stability depends on the two articulations, the proximal and distal radioulnar joints, and the interosseous membrane complex. The aim of this case report is to present an acute case of longitudinal radioulnar dissociation with humeral capitellum fracture.

Case presentation: A 48-year-old man suffered longitudinal radioulnar dissociation with humeral capitellar fracture following a motorcycle accident. Surgical treatment consisted of open reduction with an iliac bone graft using a buttress posterolateral plate for capitellar fracture, repair of the triangular fibrocartilage complex for distal radioulnar joint, and pinning for interosseous membrane complex. At 2 years postoperatively, plain radiographs showed bony union of the capitellum and maintained ulnar variance.

Conclusions: The mainstay of treatment was to reduce the proximal migration of the radius. Physicians must pay attention to the forearm instability when see the patient with humeral capitellum fracture.

Keywords: Acute; Capitellar fracture; Interosseous membrane; Longitudinal radioulnar dissociation; Triangular fibrocartilage complex.

Publication types

  • Case Reports