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Hand & Upper Limb
intermediate
X-Type

Terrible Triad of the Elbow - Injury Pattern and Management

Elbow Trauma

A 38-year-old woman falls on her outstretched hand with her elbow in extension. She presents with a grossly swollen, deformed elbow. Radiographs reveal posterior elbow dislocation with a comminuted radial head fracture and coronoid tip fracture. After closed reduction, the elbow remains unstable with valgus stress. The surgeon discusses the concept of the "terrible triad" and the surgical treatment priorities. Regarding the terrible triad of the elbow:

Mark each as TRUE or FALSE

A

The terrible triad consists of posterior elbow dislocation, radial head fracture, and coronoid proce...

B

The lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) is disrupted in virtually all terrible triad injuries; ...

C

Simple radial head excision without replacement is the standard treatment; the coronoid fracture can...

D

Radial head fixation (ORIF for 3 or fewer fragments) or replacement (if unreconstructable) is mandat...

E

Early active motion (within 1-2 weeks) is critical to prevent elbow stiffness after stable surgical ...

Answer the questions to see explanations

Click T (True) or F (False) for each option