Specialized Elbow Care in Colorado Springs

Terrible Triad of the Elbow

Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group

Your elbow connects the upper and lower arm and plays an important role in lifting, reaching, gripping, and other everyday movements. Elbow injuries and conditions can result from sports, repetitive use, trauma, arthritis, or problems affecting the tendons, nerves, and surrounding tissues.

At CSOG, our specialists provide comprehensive care for a wide range of elbow conditions, including tendon injuries, nerve compression, instability, arthritis, fractures, and sports-related injuries. Treatment is based on your diagnosis and may range from conservative care and physical therapy to injections, minimally invasive procedures, and surgery.

Our goal is to identify the source of your elbow problem and provide an individualized treatment approach that helps relieve pain, restore movement and strength, and return you to your normal activities.

• Request An Appointment

What is the Terrible Triad of the Elbow?

Terrible triad of the elbow is a complex injury pattern characterized by three distinct features:

• Posterior dislocation of the elbow joint
• Radial head fracture
• Coronoid process fracture

What Causes Terrible Triad of the Elbow?

The most common cause is trauma, such as falling from a height or a motor vehicle accident. The elbow, in its extended position, is vulnerable to dislocation when subjected to high-energy forces. As the elbow dislocates, the radial head and coronoid process often fracture due to the stresses placed on the bones during the injury.

What is the Pathophysiology of Terrible Triad of the Elbow?

The terrible triad disrupts the integrity of the elbow's stabilizing structures, including the collateral ligaments and joint capsule. This leads to significant instability and difficulty in joint movement. The radial head provides lateral stability, while the coronoid process ensures anterior-posterior stability. With both fractured, restoring functional alignment becomes challenging.

What are the Symptoms of Terrible Triad of the Elbow?

Patients typically present with:

• Severe pain in the elbow
• Swelling and bruising around the elbow joint
• Visible deformity due to dislocation
• Impaired range of motion
• Potential nerve injuries especially to the ulnar nerve

How is Terrible Triad of the Elbow Diagnosed?

A thorough physical examination and imaging are essential for diagnosing the terrible triad injury. Your healthcare provider may order the following examinations for further assessment:

• X-rays: This can confirm the presence of fractures and dislocation.
• CT scans: These provide more detailed images of the bone fragments, useful for surgical planning.
• MRI: This may be indicated to assess ligamentous damage.

What is the Treatment for Terrible Triad of the Elbow?

Management of a terrible triad injury typically involves surgical intervention, as the injury pattern is unstable and difficult to treat non-operatively. The major goals of treatment include restoring joint stability, ensuring a functional range of motion, and preventing complications like stiffness or arthritis.

Surgical Approach:

• Radial head fracture repair: Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or replacement (arthroplasty) is performed if the fracture is severe.
• Coronoid process fracture repair: This is performed to restore the anterior stability of the elbow.
• Ligament repair: The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and the medial collateral ligament (MCL) may be repaired to restore stability.
• Joint reduction: The elbow dislocation is reduced, and fixation techniques ensure that the joint remains stable.

Postoperative Care:

• Immobilization: Short-term immobilization is required, but early mobilization is encouraged to prevent stiffness.
• Rehabilitation: A structured physical therapy program is critical to restore function and prevent complications.

What are the Complications of Terrible Triad of the Elbow?

If not treated appropriately, terrible triad of the elbow can result in:

• Chronic instability
• Post-traumatic arthritis
• Elbow stiffness
• Abnormal bone growth in the soft tissues around the joint, leading to restricted movement

What is the Prognosis for Terrible Triad of the Elbow?

The outcome following treatment depends on the severity of the injury and the quality of the surgical repair. With prompt and appropriate management, you can regain functional use of the elbow, although some may experience residual stiffness or reduced range of motion.