Severe Osteoarthritis of the Elbow after a Non-Displaced Radial Head Fracture: Case Report^[∗]

Abstract

Fractures of the radial head account for over 50% of all fractures of the forearm. Broberg and Morrey (modification of the Mason classification) classify them in four types. Type 1 fractures are non-displaced or minimally displaced, considered stable and without mechanical joint blockage. In this type of fracture, a non-operative management with a short period of immobilization leads to a good clinical result without adverse outcomes. Clinically relevant associated lesions are not common. Because of this, arthritis of the radiocapitellar and ulnohumeral joint after the non-displaced radial head fracture is uncommon. This case report presents a young patient diagnosed with isolated non-displaced radial head fracture, that evolved 8 months later, to global arthritis of the elbow.

Keywords

elbow - osteoarthritis - radius fractures

^∗ Work developed at the Hospital Municipal Dr. Moysés Deutsch, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.

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