Posterolateral elbow dislocation with entrapment of the medial epicondyle in children: a case report

INTRODUCTION: Elbow dislocations in children are uncommon injuries. Dislocations with associated fractures or so-called complex dislocations of the elbow can be challenging to diagnose and treat. CASE PRESENTATION: A 14-year-old male had a posterolateral elbow dislocation after a fall. Closed reduction with traction was performed. Radiographs after initial reduction showed a fragment entrapped into the humero-cubital joint. Computerized tomography scan showed the fragment belonging to the medial epicondyle. Open reduction and internal fixation with a 3.0 millimeter cannulated screw was performed, with restoring of the normal function of the elbow at final follow up. CONCLUSION: Elbow dislocations in children can be associated with bone lesions. These injuries must be suspected to avoid misleading diagnosis and achieve good results.