[Isolated traumatic luxation of the radial head in adults: report of a case and review of the literature].

One case of isolated traumatic dislocation of the radial head in a 59-years-old female secondary to an injury in pronation and extension of the non dominant left elbow is reported. Treatment consisted of immediate closed reduction followed by immobilisation in a plaster cast with the elbow flexed at 110 degrees, for 10 days. An MRI scan 2 months after the injury showed the lesion of annular ligament which did not have any clinical consequences. At 5 years follow-up, functional outcome is excellent compared to the normal contralateral elbow with no difference between both sides. Only 20 cases of isolated traumatic dislocation of the radial head in the adult have been reported in the last 30 years, and there are no guidelines for treatment. Thirteen were treated conservatively with no recurrence. Typical clinical presentation is a maintenance of flexion and extension following the injury, but complete loss of pronation and supination. This case is the first case reported in the french literature treated conservatively and with a 5-years follow-up.