Is Repair of a Small Coronoid Fracture Required in the Surgical Treatment of Terrible Triad Injury of the Elbow?

Abstract

Background: Multiple treatment protocols have been described in literature for the treatment of terrible triad injury (TTI) of the elbow. We believe that repair of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) should be performed in preference to repair of a small coronoid fracture if the elbow is unstable after fixation/replacement of the radial head and repair of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). The aim of this study is to report the outcomes of surgical treatment of patients with TTI associated with a small coronoid fracture in whom the coronoid fracture was not addressed. Methods: This study is a retrospective case series of 12 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for acute TTI with a small coronoid fracture (9 Regan-Morrey type I and 3 Regan-Morrey type II). Ten patients had complete MCL injuries. All patients underwent repair of the torn LCL and MCL and treatment of the radial head. The coronoid fracture was not surgically treated. At the final follow-up, the range of motion, degree of flexion contracture, Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) were measured. Results: The mean follow-up period was 13.5 months. At the final follow-up, the mean arc of elbow flexion was 132° and the mean flexion contracture was 10°. The mean arc of forearm rotation was 148°. None of the patients demonstrated elbow instability. The mean MEPS was 92.5 points with seven having excellent results and five having good results. The average DASH score was 11.2 points. Conclusions: Our results showed that good elbow stability, arc of motion and clinical outcomes could be achieved without repair of small coronoid fractures in the treatment of TTI. The repair of MCL injuries should be given priority over the fixation of small coronoid fractures to regain elbow stability. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).