DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sasjm.2025.v11i04.006

Pages: 293-297

We treated a 58-year-old man with a rare combination of ipsilateral fractures of the distal radius and the radial head following a fall from height. The distal radius fracture was treated with percutaneous pinning, while the displaced radial head fracture was treated through open reduction and internal fixation using 2 Herbert screws. Elbow mobilization was started at 2 weeks, and the distal radius was protected for an additional 4 weeks in a below elbow functional brace. Simultaneous ipsilateral distal radius and radial head fractures represent an uncommon injury pattern. Greater emphasis should be placed on the clinical examination of the elbow in cases of wrist injuries, and vice versa. Once diagnosed, the management of these cases presents a dilemma. The appropriate treatment will depend on various factors, including the injury characteristics, the patient’s age and the fracture pattern. In younger patients, one should try to preserve the radial head to prevent potential proximal radial migration.