An Atypical Presentation of Terrible Triad Injury in a Healthy 51-Year-Old Female Patient

A left elbow fracture-dislocation in a 51-year-old female patient following a backward fall at home presented with a comminuted radial head fracture, coronoid fracture, and ruptured collateral ligaments. The patient underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with a long-arm splint. Post surgery, aggressive rehabilitation was initiated to restore the range of motion (ROM). Compared to previous reports, this case demonstrates successful management of a severe elbow injury with excellent short-term outcomes. This case highlights the occurrence of the terrible triad in a patient without significant comorbidities and a low-energy fall, as well as the importance of early intervention, proper imaging, and interprofessional collaboration in managing such rare presentations.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-02-28
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.79834
Primary Topic
Elbow and Forearm Trauma Treatment
Type
article
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0.00
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article

An Atypical Presentation of Terrible Triad Injury in a Healthy 51-Year-Old Female Patient

Andrew M. Lew, Suleman Janjua
Cureus
Elbow and Forearm Trauma Treatment
article

An Atypical Presentation of Terrible Triad Injury in a Healthy 51-Year-Old Female Patient

Andrew M. Lew, Suleman Janjua
article en

Abstract

A left elbow fracture-dislocation in a 51-year-old female patient following a backward fall at home presented with a comminuted radial head fracture, coronoid fracture, and ruptured collateral ligaments. The patient underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with a long-arm splint. Post surgery, aggressive rehabilitation was initiated to restore the range of motion (ROM). Compared to previous reports, this case demonstrates successful management of a severe elbow injury with excellent short-term outcomes. This case highlights the occurrence of the terrible triad in a patient without significant comorbidities and a low-energy fall, as well as the importance of early intervention, proper imaging, and interprofessional collaboration in managing such rare presentations.

CureusVol. 17(2)
William Carey University (US), Ascension Providence Hospital (US)
Gender equality
Openalex Percentile: Top 95%
Elbow and Forearm Trauma Treatment
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