Atypical Essex-Lopresti injury of the forearm: a case report.

The Essex-Lopresti injury of the forearm is difficult to diagnose. A missed diagnosis can lead to persistent pain and instability of the wrist. We report a 33-year-old man with a pre-existing cubital varus deformity who sustained an atypical Essex-Lopresti injury after a fall on his elbow. Accurate diagnosis requires understanding of force transmission and anatomy of the radius and ulna, as well as the proximal and distal radioulnar joints as a unit.