Ulnar osteotomy for a chronic radial head dislocation neglected for 15 years and secondary ulnocarpal impaction syndrome: a case report and a literature review

One of the most frequently overlooked injuries is neglected radial head dislocation, which is currently known as Monteggia fracture dislocation. Chronic radial head dislocation can result in elbow stiffness, deformity, persistent pain, and instability. In this report, we described an unusual case involving chronic radial head dislocation that was neglected for 15 years and secondary ulnocarpal impaction syndrome. Chronic radial head dislocation rarely leads to ulnocarpal impaction syndrome. In such cases, it is necessary to concurrently manage both the chronic radial head dislocation and the secondary ulnocarpal impaction syndrome. Our case demonstrated that good reduction can be achieved 15 years after radial head dislocation even after secondary ulnocarpal impaction syndrome had developed. Proximal ulnar osteotomy was successfully performed to correct the chronic radial head dislocation and secondary ulnocarpal impaction syndrome. Excellent results were obtained, including restored stability of the right elbow and full ranges of flexion-extension of the right elbow and rotation of the right forearm.