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
This study is a stack
Axial
T2
This study is a stack
Axial
T1
This study is a stack
Axial PD
fat sat
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Sagittal
T1
This study is a stack
Sagittal
T2
This study is a stack
Sagittal
STIR
This study is a stack
Coronal PD
fat sat
This study is a stack
Coronal
T2
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Info

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.

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