What is included in the terrible triad of the elbow?

• A. Ulnar dislocation
• B. Radial head fracture
• C. Coronoid fracture
• D. Both radial head fracture and coronoid fracture

Answer: (D)

The terrible triad of the elbow is a specific combination of injuries that typically includes a radial head fracture, a coronoid fracture, and an elbow dislocation. This triad is particularly important because it indicates a complex injury pattern that can lead to significant instability and complications if not treated appropriately.

In the context of the answer provided, mentioning both the radial head fracture and the coronoid fracture recognizes that these two injuries together illustrate the intricate nature of elbow trauma. The presence of both types of fractures, alongside the dislocation, underscores the importance of a surgical approach to manage the stability of the joint and restore function effectively.

While ulnar dislocation is certainly a component of the terrible triad, the response emphasizes that the triad is more specifically characterized by the combination of the radial head and coronoid fractures, reinforcing the critical nature of these particular injuries in the management and surgical planning for complex elbow trauma.