Complete tears of the common flexor tendon and ulnar collateral ligament

Case contributed by Mohammed Abourahma
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Right arm of the patient forcibly pulled during a carjacking.

Patient Data

Age: 60 years
Gender: Male

Complete tear of the ulnar collateral ligament with widening of the ulnotrochlear joint space.

Complete tear of the common flexor tendon origin with tendon retraction. 

High-grade tear of the lateral collateral ligament complex, particularly the proximal portions of the radial collateral ligament and lateral ulnar collateral ligament. 

Partial tear of the common extensor tendon origin.

Generalized subcutaneous edema around the elbow. 

Case Discussion

This case shows acute traumatic tears at the elbow, more extensive on the ulnar side compared to the radial side. There are complete tears of the ulnar collateral ligament and the overlying common flexor tendon origin. Widening of the ulnotrochlear joint space is indicative of valgus instability. There is no avulsion fracture or bone contusion. Extensive soft tissue edema is seen. There was no history of dislocation in this case. The patient was scheduled for surgical repair.

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