Mini-locking plates for the treatment of Regan-Morrey type III fracture of ulnar coronoid process through anterior approach of elbow joint

Abstract

To explore clinical effects of mini-locking plates for the treatment of Regan-Morrey type III fractures of ulnar coronoid process through an anterior approach of elbow joint. A retrospective analysis on 12 patients with Regan-Morrey type III fractures of the ulnar coronoid process was performed from January 2011 to June 2014, who were treated with unini-locking plates through the anterior approach of elbow joint. There were 7 males and 5 females, ranging in age from 23 to 65 years old, averaged 43 years old. Four patients had fractures on the left and 8 patients had fractures on the right. The X-ray films were taken to evaluate the location and healing of the fracture before and after operation. Clinical evaluation included analysis on surgical complications, range of motion and Mayo elbow function score. All the patients were treated with mini-locking plates, and the elbow joint was stable after operation. All the patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 14 to 36 months. All the fractures were healed, and the healing time ranged from 12 to 20 weeks. The average healing time was 15.6 weeks. There were no complications occurred such as heterotopic ossification, traumatic arthritis and others. At the latest follow-up, the average angle of elbow flexion was (127.0±5.6)°(120° to 135°); the average extension angle was(4.2±4.5)° (0° to 10°); the average pronation angle of forearm was (86.0±6.1)°(75° to 90°); the average supination angle of forearm was (87.0±6.9)°(80° to 100°). Mayo elbow function score was 80 to 96 points, with an average of 88 points, of which 2 cases got an excellent result, 10 good. Elbow anterior approach can clearly expose the Regan-Morrey type III coronoid fractures, and mini-locking plate fixation has a satisfactory effect.