Transolecranon Fracture-Dislocation of the Elbow

Abstract

Anterior elbow dislocations occur most often as a fracture-dislocation in which the distal humerus is driven through the olecranon, thereby causing a complex, comminuted fracture of the proximal ulna. This injury is frequently confused with anterior Monteggia lesions by virtue of the readily apparent radiocapitellar dislocation. Stable restoration of the appropriate contour and dimensions of the trochlear notch of the ulna will lead to a good result in most cases.