UPDATE: Despite significant efforts, we continue to have some difficulties with cases. The most serious one is uploading DICOM, which sometimes fails. PLEASE KEEP A COPY OF ANY DICOM CASE YOU HAVE NOT SUCCESSFULLY UPLOADED as there is no guarantee that we will be able to recover these files. We are deeply sorry that this is occurring. More info radiopaedia.org/chat

Radial head fracture malunion

Case contributed by Bahman Rasuli
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Elbow pain and stiffness after the motor vehicle accident one year ago.

Patient Data

Age: 20 years
Gender: Male
mri

Elongation and 30 degrees superomedial angular deformity of the radial head, causing abnormal radiocapitellar and proximal radioulnar articulation. Cartilage thinning, fraying, and subchondral edema with osteophyte formation at all three elbow joints is consistent with development of osteoarthritis in the background of malunion radial head fracture.

Tendinosis of the common extensor tendons.

Joint effusion is noted.

Intraarticular loose bodies up to 5 mm are seen within the joint capsule.

There are two intraosseous simple bone cysts measuring about 14*32 mm and 10*27 mm at the upper two third portions of the radius.

Case Discussion

The recent patient referred to us with the history of elbow injury following trauma one year ago, left untreated. Recently the patient complained of elbow pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility.

Malunion of radial head fracture can lead to loss of stability of the radiocapitellar joint and early development of osteoarthritis.

How to use cases

You can use Radiopaedia cases in a variety of ways to help you learn and teach.

Creating your own cases is easy.

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.