What Is Essex Lopresti Fracture?

Essex Lopresti Fracture consists of injury to radial head, interosseous ligament or membrane of the forearm and distal radio ulnar joint.

The injury has following elements

• Comminuted displacedlaced fracture of the radial head
• Subluxation or dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint.
• Disruption of the interosseous membrane occurs.

In addition, there could be proximal migration of the radial shaft. The extent of migration depends on the severity of the injury and amount of disruption of interossous membrane.

This injury can result from a fracture-dislocation of the elbow or from application of a longitudinal force to the outstretched hand that causes impaction of the capitulum and radial head.

Patient would present with severe injury and pain in elbow and wrist.

Radiographs of both the elbow and wrist are required for diagnosis.

The treatment consists of  management of both the fractures.

Related posts:

1. Radial Head Fractures – Treatment Options
2. Fractures of Radial Head or Head of Radius – The Biomechanics
3. Xrays of Fracture of Radial Neck In Adult
4. Radial Head Fractures – Clinical Presentation and Treatment
5. Medial, Lateral and Divergent Dislocation of Elbow