Ipsilateral compound distal radius fracture with missed elbow dislocation. A rare injury pattern.

A rare injury pattern of compound distal radius fracture associated with a missed posterolateral elbow dislocation in an adult is described. To the best of our knowledge, this has not been previously described in the literature. The probable mechanisms of injury are speculated to include longitudinal compressive force along with valgus and external rotatory stress to the semiflexed elbow leading to elbow dislocation. A continuation of the impact when her hand hit the ground led to her hand deviating radially resulting in compounding on the ulnar side. Early reduction of the dislocation and rigid fixation of the fracture helped to achieve excellent results. We hope that our experience will highlight the need to examine the elbow in severe wrist injuries and to be aware of the possibility of elbow dislocation.