Treatment of comminuted fracture of proximal ulna with anatomical locking plate via posterior approach of elbow joint

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of anatomical locking titanium plate via the posterior elbow approach in the treatment of comminuted fractures of proximal ulna. Methods From January 2011 to December 2013, 22 comminuted fractures of proximal ulna were treated by anatomical locking titanium plate via the posterior elbow approach. They were 14 men and 8 women, from 21 to 57 years of age (average, 42.7 years). Nine cases were on the left side and 13 on the right. All were unilateral closed fractures. By the Schatzker classification, 12 cases were type ⅢA, 6 type ⅢC and 4 a combination of type ⅢA and type ⅢC. The Broberg & Morrey criteria were used to evaluate the elbow function one year postoperation. Results The follow-ups for the 22 cases ranged from 12 to 24 months (average, 16 months). All the cases obtained clinical healing after 10 to 16 weeks (average, 13 weeks). According to the Broberg & Morrey criteria, 12 cases were evaluated as excellent, 7 as good, and 3 as fair, yielding an excellent to good rate of 86.4% . No such complications as infection or necrosis of soft tissues, elbow stiffness, or obvious pain were observed during the follow-up period. Conclusion It is an effective treatment of comminuted fractures of proximal ulna with anatomical locking titanium plate through the posterior elbow approach. Key words: Elbow joint; Fracture fixation, internal; Ulna fractures; Bone plates