Fractures of the radial head with distal radio-ulnar dislocation

Author summary

The two cases of comminuted fracture of the radial head presented in this paper stress the importance of evaluating the distal radio-ulnar joint for dislocation when the mechanism of injury is a longitudinal compression force. Two treatment approaches are recommended for this particular type of injury. The first is reconstruction of the radial head. If reconstruction is not feasible due to severe comminution, leaving the distal radius undisturbed and accepting some distal radio-ulnar subluxation may be required. Another option, after immediate excision, could be to temporarily use a prosthesis in place of the radial head to hold the radius down until the distal joint and interosseous membrane heal and become stable.