Clinical Presentation & Protocol
Patient Usually Complains Of
Patient presents with acute left forearm pain, swelling, and deformity following a fall onto an outstretched hand. Reports inability to rotate the forearm or flex/extend the elbow. Denies numbness or tingling in the hand. No prior history of trauma to the left upper extremity.
Clinical Examination Findings
Left upper extremity: Obvious deformity of the proximal forearm with localized tenderness over the ulnar shaft and anterior/lateral elbow. Radial head prominence noted. Neurovascular status: Distal pulses (radial/ulnar) 2+ and symmetric. Capillary refill < 2 seconds. Sensation intact to light touch in median, ulnar, and radial nerve distributions. No motor deficits in intrinsic hand muscles.
Treatment Protocol
Closed reduction of the left radial head dislocation and stabilization of the ulnar fracture performed under sedation/regional block. Post-reduction radiographs confirm anatomic alignment of the ulnar fracture and reduction of the radial head. Long arm splint applied in supination/flexion to maintain reduction. Orthopedic follow-up scheduled for repeat imaging in 7 days.