Terrible Triad Elbow Injury Surgery & Trauma Care | Balanku Hospital
Terrible Triad Injury of the Elbow
Comprehensive Elbow Trauma Care at Balanku Hospital
The elbow is a complex joint essential for lifting, gripping, and performing everyday activities. A Terrible Triad Injury of the Elbow is a severe and unstable injury that usually occurs after a fall on an outstretched hand or high-impact trauma. As the name suggests, it involves a combination of three serious injuries that, if not treated promptly, can lead to long-term stiffness, instability, and loss of elbow function.
At Balanku Hospital, our orthopedic trauma specialists are highly experienced in managing terrible triad elbow injuries using advanced surgical techniques and structured rehabilitation programs to restore stability, motion, and strength.
What Is a Terrible Triad Injury of the Elbow?
A Terrible Triad Injury refers to the combination of:
- Elbow dislocation
- Radial head fracture
- Coronoid process fracture of the ulna
This injury pattern causes significant joint instability and requires early expert intervention.
Causes
- Fall on an outstretched hand
- Road traffic accidents
- Sports injuries
- High-energy trauma
Symptoms
- Severe elbow pain and swelling
- Visible deformity of the elbow
- Inability to move or bend the elbow
- Joint instability
- Bruising and tenderness
Diagnosis
Accurate diagnosis includes:
- X-rays of the elbow to identify fractures and dislocation
- CT scan for detailed assessment of fracture patterns
- MRI (in selected cases) to evaluate ligament injuries
Treatment of Terrible Triad Elbow Injury
Most terrible triad injuries require surgical management due to joint instability.
Emergency Management
- Immediate reduction of elbow dislocation
- Immobilization of the elbow
- Pain control and swelling management
Surgical Treatment Options
Radial Head Fixation or Replacement
- Small fractures are fixed with screws or plates
- Severely comminuted fractures may require radial head replacement
Coronoid Fracture Fixation
- Fractured coronoid process is stabilized to restore elbow stability
Ligament Repair
- Repair of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and, if required, the medial collateral ligament (MCL)
These steps together restore elbow stability and allow early movement.
Procedure Overview
| Procedure Name | Terrible Triad Elbow Surgery |
|---|---|
| Type of Surgery | Major Trauma Surgery |
| Type of Anesthesia | General anesthesia |
| Procedure Duration | 2 to 3 hours |
| Recovery Duration | Several months |
Recovery & Rehabilitation
- Hospital stay for monitoring and pain control
- Short period of elbow immobilization
- Early, guided physiotherapy to prevent stiffness
- Gradual strengthening exercises
- Regular follow-ups to monitor healing
Functional recovery usually takes 3 to 6 months, depending on injury severity and rehabilitation compliance.
Possible Complications (If Untreated or Delayed)
- Elbow stiffness and loss of motion
- Chronic instability
- Post-traumatic arthritis
- Persistent pain or weakness
Benefits of Treatment at Balanku Hospital
- Specialized orthopedic trauma and elbow surgeons
- Advanced fixation and replacement techniques
- Early mobilization-focused treatment protocols
- Personalized rehabilitation programs
- Comprehensive post-operative care
At Balanku Hospital, we are committed to restoring elbow stability and function after complex injuries like Terrible Triad Elbow Injury, helping patients return safely to their daily activities and active lifestyles.
