Neglected Isolated Fracture Of The Trochlea- A Case Report.

Abstract

Isolated shear fractures of the trochlea are also called Laugier’s fractures. Only a few cases have been reported so far. There is difference of opinion regarding mechanism of injury as well as in the treatment options. We report a case of a neglected fracture of the trochlea; we could not find a similar case reported so far in the literature. An Indian female belonging to the lower socioeconomic group presented 3 months after injury to her elbow with complaints of restricted painful movements of the elbow. Fracture of the trochlea was diagnosed on the radiograph. The patient was thoroughly counselled and surgery was done with excision of the trochlea as the cartilagionous portion was showing degeneration. The post-operative status was improved with increased range of motion and a stable painless elbow. We consider the excision of the degenerated fragment to be a better option for such neglected cases where socioeconomic restraints limit any reconstructive surgery.