Orthonotes
Orthonotes
by the.bonestories
v3.0 Fusion
v3.0 Fusion
trauma topic hub

Elbow Dislocations — Terrible Triad

Terrible triad = posterior elbow dislocation + radial head fracture + coronoid fracture. Highly unstable pattern, requires surgical fixation of all components. Goal: concentric reduction + early mobilization in stable arc. Complications: stiffness, recurrent instability, arthritis, heterotopic ossification.

Overview

Topic summary

View wiki
Terrible triad = posterior elbow dislocation + radial head fracture + coronoid fracture. Highly unstable pattern, requires surgical fixation of all components. Goal: concentric reduction + early mobilization in stable arc. Complications: stiffness, recurrent instability, arthritis, heterotopic ossification.
MCQs

High-yield practice questions

Start topic quiz
Question 1

What is the classic triad of injuries associated with a terrible triad of the elbow?

Question 2

Which mechanism of injury is most commonly associated with the terrible triad of the elbow?

Question 3

What is the primary goal of surgical management in a terrible triad injury?

Question 4

Which of the following complications is commonly associated with a terrible triad injury of the elbow?

Question 5

What type of fracture is typically seen in the radial head during a terrible triad injury?

Question 6

Which imaging modality is most useful for assessing the extent of fractures in a terrible triad injury?

Question 7

What is the recommended postoperative rehabilitation strategy for a patient with a terrible triad injury?

Question 8

Which ligament is primarily repaired during the surgical management of a terrible triad injury?

Question 9

What is a significant risk factor for developing post-traumatic arthritis after a terrible triad injury?

Question 10

Which statement is true regarding the coronoid fracture in a terrible triad injury?