Rare triad of fractures in the upper limb. Simultaneous fractures of the distal radius, with the radial head and the ulna styloid

Abstract

We're reporting a 35-year-old gentleman that presented with a rare combination of ipsilateral fracture of both proximal and distal ends of the radius associated with ulna styloid fracture due to a fall with outstretched hands. Thorough clinical examination of 2 adjacent joints (elbow and wrist) is critical in identifying such an unusual or rare combination of injuries. Appropriate management for such cases depends on the characteristics of the injury, such as fracture patterns, job, hand dominance, and age of the patient. The treatment should aim to preserve the radial head to avoid the possibility of proximal radial migration, particularly in young patients. Such a combination of injury implies complex injury and needs special consideration in deciding management plan. In this case, the proximal end of the radius and the ulna styloid fractures were treated conservatively. In contrast, the distal end of the radius was treated with open reduction internal fixation.

Keywords

• Elbow
• Dislocation
• Fracture
• Trauma
• Injury