Traumatic Divergent Elbow Dislocation with Associated Forearm Amputation in an Adult

CASE: A 49-year-old right-hand-dominant man sustained an auger-related injury that resulted in open dislocation at the left wrist and palm, with complete amputation of the distal aspect of the forearm and the hand. The injury at the elbow included instability with an ulnar coronoid fracture, posterior dislocation of the ulna, and posterolateral dislocation of the radius. To restore stability of the forearm stump and elbow, we performed a complete resection of the radius, open reduction and internal fixation of the coronoid tip, a repair of the lateral collateral ligament, and transfer of the distal biceps tendon to the coronoid. CONCLUSION: The procedure stabilized the elbow, allowing for early mobilization. The patient was eventually fitted with a prosthesis that allowed him to return to full-time manual labor in a rural setting.