Isolated, traumatic anterior dislocation of the radial head in an adult: A case study and review of the literature

Isolated radial head dislocation in adults is extremely rare and has been predominantly posterior. A case of isolated, acute anterior dislocation of the radial head in an adult is reported. A 26-year-old male sustained an isolated radial head dislocation following a fall on the outstretched hand. The dislocation was treated by closed reduction and transcapitellar Kirschner wire fixation. At final follow-up the patient had recovered full range of motion of the elbow. Radiographs of the forearm including elbow and wrist were normal. A management algorithm for this injury is proposed, based on a review of the literature. © Urban & Vogel.