FRACTURE: Fixation of fracture ulna and use of radial head as autograft
30 yr old female presented with
history of fall in bathroom. She had swollen painful left forearm with pain in
elbow region upon foreman rotations. Forearm was splinted and analgesic was
administered. X-rays showed fracture ulna proximal 1/3rd –mid 1/3rdregion, comminuted and fracture radial head, comminuted and displaced. The
elbow joint was stable and all fractures were closed type. The patient was
counseled about excision of radial head and resulting chances of elbow
instability after that. The patient was taken to Operation Theater and ulna
plating was done using dorsal approach. The fracture was badly comminuted and
bridge plating was done. The radial head was excised using boyds approach. The
comminuted radial head was reconstructed on trolley and the resulting cavity
examined for any retained bone pieces. Once complete excision was confirmed,
the wound was closed. The radial head pieces were debrided of cartilage and
cancellous bone was used to graft ulna fracture. The forearm was splinted in
above elbow slab for 3 weeks after surgery. Repeat x rays were done to confirm
that the elbow joint was reduced.