Coronoid Process Fractures Research Articles

Novel Radiographic Indexes for Elbow Stability Assessment: Part A\u2014Cadaveric Validation

IntroductionElbow bony stability relies primarily on the high anatomic congruency between the humeral trochlea and the ulnar greater sigmoid notch. No practical tools are available to distinguish different morphotypes of the proximal ulna and herewith predict elbow stability. The aim of this study was to assess inter-observer reproducibility, evaluate diagnostic performance and determine responsiveness to change after simulated coronoid process fracture for three novel elbow radiographic indexes.MethodsTen fresh-frozen cadaver specimens of upper limbs from human donors were available for this study. Three primary indexes were defined, as well as two derived angles: Trochlear Depth Index (TDI); Posterior Coverage Index (PCI); Anterior Coverage Index (ACI); radiographic coverage angle (RCA); olecranon–diaphisary angle (ODA). Each index was first measured on standardized lateral radiographs and subsequently by direct measurement after open dissection. Finally, a type II coronoid fracture (Regan and Morrey classification) was created on each specimen and both radiographic and open measurements were repeated. All measurements were conducted by two orthopaedic surgeons and two dedicated musculoskeletal radiologists.ResultsAll three indexes showed good or moderate inter-observer reliability and moderate accuracy and precision when compared to the gold standard (open measurement). A significant change between the radiographic TDI and ACI before and after simulated coronoid fracture was observed [TDI: decrease from 0.45 ± 0.03 to 0.39 ± 0.08 (p = 0.035); ACI: decrease from 1.90 ± 0.17 to 1.58 ± 0.21 (p = 0.001)]. As expected, no significant changes were documented for the PCI. Based on these data, a predictive model was generated, able to identify coronoid fractures with a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 100%.ConclusionNew, simple and easily reproducible radiological indexes to describe the congruency of the greater sigmoid notch have been proposed. TDI and ACI change significantly after a simulated coronoid fracture, indicating a good responsiveness of these parameters to a pathological condition. Furthermore, combining TDI and ACI in a regression model equation allowed to identify simulated fractures with high sensitivity and specificity. The newly proposed indexes are, therefore, promising tools to improve diagnostic accuracy of coronoid fractures and show potential to enhance perioperative diagnostic also in cases of elbow instability and stiffness.Level of evidenceBasic science study.Clinical relevanceThe newly proposed indexes are promising tools to improve diagnostic accuracy of coronoid fractures as well as to enhance perioperative diagnostic for elbow instability and stiffness.

Minimally Invasive Osteosynthesis of Isolated Coronoid Process Fracture: A Novel Technique

Isolated coronoid process fracture is not a commonly encountered injury of the elbow joint. Coronoid process is an important component in providing elbow stability. We present a case of isolated coronoid process fracture in a young male managed by minimally invasive osteosynthesis technique.

Reconstruction of coronoid process of the ulna: a literature review.

As a pivotal part of the elbow joint structure, the coronoid process of the ulna plays a vital role in maintaining elbow joint stability. Loss of coronoid process height causes instability of the elbow joint depending on the fracture characteristics and size. The diagnosis and treatment of coronoid process fractures has gained widespread attention from orthopedic surgeons. Nevertheless, few reports have described reconstruction of coronoid process fractures and defects that affect elbow joint stability. Treatment of elbow joint instability induced by coronoid process defects is challenging because most cases are complicated by other elbow joint injuries. Moreover, the clinical efficacy remains unclear. The present narrative review was performed to examine the research progress on reconstruction of the coronoid process. The findings of this review provide evidence for clinical repair and reconstruction of coronoid process defects and contribute to the published literature on this topic.

Analysis of Fracture Characteristic and Medial Collateral Ligament Injury Relationships in Terrible Triad Elbow Injuries

The objectives of this study were to identify the relationship between fracture characteristics and medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries in terrible triad injuries of the elbow. Between 2010 and 2018, 60 patients who underwent surgery for terrible triad elbow injuries were retrospectively reviewed. Using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessments, patients were stratified into those who had intact or low-grade partial MCL tears (low-grade MRI-MCL group) and those who had high-grade partial or full-thickness MCL tears (high-grade MRI-MCL group). We also analyzed patients according to whether they underwent MCL repair surgery. Fractures of the radial head were assessed according to Mason's classification system and measurements of fracture fragment arc on axial cuts. Fractures of the coronoid processes were assessed according to the system of Regan and Morrey and measurements of coronoid process volumes. Patients in the high-grade MRI-MCL group (28 patients) had a more comminuted and higher fragment arc of radial head fractures than those in the low-grade MRI-MCL group (32 patients) (143º ± 45º vs 119º ± 31º). However, the volume of coronoid fracture fragments was smaller in the high-grade MRI-MCL than in the low-grade MRI-MCL group (359 ± 325 mm3 vs 722 ± 448 mm3). The MCL repair group (22 patients) also had a more comminuted and higher fragment arc in radial head fractures (153º ± 44º vs 117º ± 31º) and a smaller coronoid process fracture volume (236 ± 224 mm3 vs 735 ± 419 mm3) than the non-MCL repair group (38 patients). Our results demonstrated that high-grade MCL injuries are associated with comminuted and larger-sized radial head fractures, as well as smaller-sized coronoid process fractures in terrible triad injuries. In making a decision regarding surgical treatment, these fracture characteristics could help to predict the severity for MCL injury in terrible triad injuries. Prognostic IV.

Abord entre le muscle ronator teres (rond pronateur) et le fléchisseur radial du carpe pour la fixation des fractures du processus coronoïde de l’ulna

BackgroundThe optimal approach for the fixation of coronoid process fractures is unknown. We present the advantages and the clinical effect of the pronator teres and the flexor carpi radialis interval approach for the treatment of ulna coronoid process fractures. MethodsThe patients who had operative treatment of closed ulna coronoid process fracture by the pronator teres and the flexor carpi radialis interval approach between January 2011 to December 2016 were studied retrospectively. Seventeen consecutive patients had received surgical fixation by screws or a mini-plate through the above approach, of whom 16 males and one female with an average age of 36.7 years (range, 21–58 years). There were 11 cases of type II and 6 cases of type III according to the O’Driscoll classification; of whom 6 patients had combined elbow dislocation, 2 patients showed elbow instability after fixation, 1 had another incision to repair the lateral collateral ligament, and received a hinged external fixator. The other patient only received a hinged external fixator for 4 weeks. Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) was used to assess the function of elbow for each patient at the final follow-up. ResultsMean follow-up was 28.7 months (range, 24–38 months). Fracture union was achieved in each patient; the average time to radiologic union was 14.2 weeks (range, 12–16 weeks). At the final follow-up, the elbow extension degree of the affected side was (3.88±2.96°), reaching 98.1% of the normal side, and the flexion degree was (131.59±4.93°), reaching 98.16% of the normal side. The forearm pronation was (82.94±3.86°), reaching 94.31% of the normal side, and the supination activity was (82.12±3.82°), reaching 93% of the normal side. According to the MEPS, the functional recovery of the injured arm was assessed as excellent in 16 cases, and good in one. None of the patients showed any neurovascular or deep infections and no heterotopic ossification was found. ConclusionsThe pronator teres and the flexor carpi radialis interval approach has the advantages of simplicity, safety, minimal invasion, excellent exposure, and good postoperative function recovery for ulna coronoid process fracture.

尺骨鉤状突起骨折の治療におけるOver-the-Top アプローチの経験

尺骨鉤状突起骨折の治療におけるOver-the-Top アプローチの経験

The adjunct use of lateral hinged external fixator in the treatment of traumatic destabilizing elbow injuries.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the results of using a lateral hinged external fixator as an adjunct stabilizer in the treatment of a variety of acute destabilizing elbow injuries. A retrospective review was performed on the medical records of patients in whom a lateral monolateral elbow hinged external fixator was applied by the senior author. The indication to apply the fixator corresponded to a variety of acute injury patterns ranging from simple elbow trauma or dislocation to complex fracture-dislocation, and the decision was based on either the presence of recurrent or persistent instability in any direction and/or to secure a vulnerable or weak bony fixation or soft tissue repair as intra-operatively judged by the surgeon. The fixator was inserted in the same setting after the repair of the associated ligamentous and/or bony structures. Patients operated after one month of the trauma and those presented with open elbow injury or associated humeral or ulnar shaft fracture were excluded. Rehabilitation was immediately started and the fixator removed at six to eightweeks with elbow testing and gentle manipulation under general anaesthesia, and resuming of rehabilitation after removal. Clinical assessment was performed for all patients according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) with evaluation of range of motion at regular intervals till the end of the post-operative first year, then at final follow-up for the purpose of the study with radiographic assessment for evaluation of elbow reduction and concentricity. There were 13 patients with a mean age of 42 years. Two patients had instability secondary to LCL rupture; one patient had redislocation because of associated coronoid process fracture; one patient had radial head fracture with rupture of both collateral ligaments; five patients had terrible triad injury with variable association of collateral ligaments lesions; and four patients had posterior Monteggia fracture-dislocation. The mean MEPS was 90 at a mean follow-up of seven years with six excellent, six good, and one fair result. All patients had a concentrically reduced and stable elbow as assessed clinically and radiologically with a mean functional arc of motion of 132° for extension-flexion and 178° for pronation-supination. The hinged elbow external fixator represents a valuable adjunct in the therapeutic arsenal for the treatment of unstable elbows after bony and soft tissue repair. It provides satisfactory results in terms of stability and function and should be available in the operating room when a surgeon treats a complex elbow dislocation or fracture-dislocation.

Short-term effectiveness of free radial head reconstruction of coronoid process combined with artificial radial head replacement in treatment of complex terrible triad of elbow

To investigate the short-term effectiveness of free radial head reconstruction of coronoid process, artificial radial head replacement, and ulna olecranon internal fixation in the treatment of the complex terrible triad of the elbow. Retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 12 patients with complex terrible triad of the elbow treated with free radial head reconstruction of coronoid process, artificial radial head replacement, and ulna olecranon internal fixation between April 2011 and April 2018. There were 8 males and 4 females with an average age of 44.5 years (range, 26-62 years). The causes of injury included 5 cases of traffic accident, 7 cases of falling from hight. The Regan-Morrey classification of ulnar coronoid process fractures was type Ⅲ; Mason classification of radial head fractures was type Ⅲ in 7 cases and type Ⅳ in 5 cases. The time from injury to operation was 5-14 days, with an average of 6.0 days. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and complications were recorded. After operation, X-ray film of elbow joint was reexamined, fracture healing condition was observed, and fracture healing time was recorded. The flexion, extension, and rotation of the elbow joints on the healthy and affected sides were recorded and measured. The elbow function was evaluated according to Mayo elbow function score. The operation time was 90-140 minutes (mean, 110 minutes); the intraoperative blood loss was 100-300 mL (mean, 150 mL). None of the patients had vascular injury during the operation. One patient developed numbness in the ulnar nerve innervation area and recovered completely after symptomatic treatment for 1 week. All the 12 patients were followed up 12-22 months, with an average of 16 months. At last follow-up, the fracture healed completely, 1 patient developed ectopic ossification of elbow joint, and 2 patients developed traumatic arthritis of elbow joint. No internal fixation-related complications occurred. There was no significant difference in the range of motion of elbow flexion, extension, pronation, and supination between the affected and healthy sides ( P>0.05). The median Mayo elbow function score was 96, and the interquartile range was (94, 97), and the excellent and good rate was 91.7%. For patients with complex terrible triad of the elbow with ulna coronoid process fractures of Regan-Morrey type Ⅲ and radial head fractures of Mason type Ⅲ, Ⅳ combined with ulna olecranon fractures, the free radial head reconstruction, artificial radial head replacement, and ulna olecranon internal fixation, through active rehabilitation function exercise after operation, can achieve more satisfactory short-term effectiveness.

Comparison of two techniques for lateral collateral ligament complex repair in treatment of terrible triad of elbow

To compare the effectiveness of transosseous tunnel fixation and drilling fixation for repair of lateral collateral ligament complex (LCLC) in treatment of terrible triad of elbow (TTE). A clinical data of 50 patients with TTE between June 2012 and January 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The LCLC was repaired with transosseous tunnel fixation in 22 patients (transosseous tunnel fixation group) and with drilling fixation in 28 patients (drilling fixation group). There was no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05) in gender, age, fracture side, time from injury to admission, coronoid process fracture classification, radial head fracture classification, and TTE classification. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture healing time, and complications of the two groups were recorded. At last follow-up, the Mayo elbow performance system (MEPS) score, range of motion of elbow joint, and Broberg-Morrey classification were recorded. The operation of two groups were successfully completed. There was no significant difference in the operation time and intraoperative blood loss between the two group ( P>0.05). The follow-up time was (24.43±6.84) months in the transosseous tunnel fixation group and (21.55±6.16) months in the drilling fixation group, and the difference was not significant ( t=1.534, P=0.132). X-ray films showed that the coronoid process and radial head fractures in the two groups healed, and there was no significant difference in the healing time ( P>0.05). At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in the flexion-extension activity, rotation activity, MEPS score, and Broberg-Morrey grading ( P>0.05). During the follow-up, there was no re-dislocation or instability of the elbow joint. The incidence of complication was 28.57% (8/28) in the transosseous tunnel fixation group and 27.27% (6/22) in the drilling fixation group, showing no significant difference ( χ 2=2.403, P=0.121). Both transosseous tunnel fixation and drilling fixation can achieve good results in repair of LCLC for TTE.

Injuries to the Coronoid Process of the Ulna with Involvement of the Lesser Sigmoid Notch.

This study aimed to describe the involvement of the lesser sigmoid notch in fractures to the coronoid process. We hypothesized that injuries to the lateral aspect of the coronoid process regularly involve the annular ligament insertion at the anterior lesser sigmoid notch. Patients treated for a coronoid process fracture at our institution between 06/2011 and 07/2018 were included. We excluded patients < 18 years, patients with arthritic changes or previous operative treatment to the elbow, and patients with concomitant injuries to the proximal ulna. In patients with involvement of the lesser sigmoid notch, the coronoid height and fragment size (anteroposterior, mediolateral, and craniocaudal) were measured. Seventy-two patients (mean age: 47 years ± 17.6) could be included in the study. Twenty-one patients (29.2%) had a fracture involving the lateral sigmoid notch. The mean anteroposterior fragment length was 7 ± 1.6 mm. The fragment affected a mean of 43 ± 10.8% of the coronoid height. The mean mediolateral size of the fragment was 10 ± 5.0 mm, and the mean cranio-caudal size was 7 ± 2.7 mm. Coronoid fractures regularly include the lesser sigmoid notch. These injuries possibly affect the anterior annular ligament insertion which is important for the stability of the proximal radioulnar joint and varus stability of the elbow.

Treatment of ulnar coronoid process fracture via a modified anteromedial approach

To investigate the effectiveness of a modified anteromedial approach in the treatment of ulnar coronoid process fracture. Between February 2017 and July 2018, 15 patients with ulna coronoid process fracture were reviewed. There were 9 males and 6 females, with an average age of 42.3 years (range, 24-60 years). The causes of injury included falling in 10 cases and traffic accidents in 5 cases, all cases were closed injury. According to the O'Driscoll classification, there were 4 cases of type Ⅰ, 6 cases of type Ⅱ, and 5 cases of type Ⅲ. The time from injury to operation was 2-8 days (mean, 3.7 days). All fractures were treated via a modified anteromedial approach between the pronator teres and the flexor carpi radialis plus with partial incision of flexor tendon aponeurosis. The fracture healing, muscle strength of forearm, postoperative complications were observed. At last follow-up, the elbow mobility were measured, the function of elbow was evaluated by Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS). All cases were followed up 10-18 months (mean, 13.3 months). Fracture union was achieved in all patients with a mean time of 10 weeks (range, 8-14 weeks). No obvious decrease of hand grip strength, nerve injury, and infection occurred. One patient had slight heterotopic ossification without special treatment. At last follow-up, all patients had stable elbows with good flexion-extension and varus-valgus stability, the mean flexion was 123.3° (range, 100°-140°), mean extension loss compared with that before operation was 6.7° (range, 0°-20°), mean pronation was 76.0° (range, 60°-85°), and mean supination was 75.8° (range, 55°-90°). The MEPS score was 65-100 (mean, 90.3) with the result of excellent in 10 cases, good in 4 cases, and fair in 1 case. The treatment of ulnar coronoid process fracture via the modified anteromedial approach provides excellent exposure, minimal invasion, fewer complications, and satisfactory prognosis, which is conducive to elbow joint function recovery.

Elbow Pain - CrossFit

HISTORY: A 29-year-old male CrossFit and surfing instructor with a history of left ulnar shaft fracture treated nonoperatively presented with a 9 month duration of chronic, intermittent, left, sharp and burning elbow pain since injuring himself weight lifting. Bicep flexion and thumb rotation caused pain radiating to the elbow. He endorsed numbness of the left hand that led to an ER visit 9 months ago. His tingling resolved prior to our visit and he denied shoulder or neck pain. He has been seen previously by a Hand Specialist, was offered a steroid injection, and presented to us for further evaluation. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: The patient exhibited no obvious atrophy of the forearm, but trace atrophy at the left medial triceps. He had full flexion and extension equal bilaterally, with slightly decreased supination on the left as compared to the right side. He was tender to palpation over the distal biceps, but nontender in the antecubital fossa. There was mild crepitus with resisted supination and pronation on the lateral epicondylar region. Radial head was minimally tender to palpation. He had elbow pain with resisted elbow flexion in neutral and supination more so than pronation. No skin changes were appreciated and no obvious elbow effusion. Distal neurovascular exam was grossly intact. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: 1. Distal biceps tear 2. Bicipitoradial bursitis 3. Ulnar shaft fracture 4. Radial head fracture 5. Osteochondritis dissecans of the capitulum TEST AND RESULTS: Elbow MR arthrogram (obtained 3 weeks ago) demonstrated a very small partial thickness tear of the ulnar collateral ligament, minimal radial cartilage loss, and a partial thickness tear of the distal biceps with prominent bicipitoradial bursitis. FINAL/WORKING DIAGNOSIS: Left partial thickness distal biceps tear AND associated bicipitoradial bursitis TREATMENT AND OUTCOMES: 1. Patient elected to avoid steroid injections and pursue conservative management involving physical therapy and topical NSAIDs 2. Pain continued intermittently. Further work up 1 year later included CT elbow showing mild left ulnohumeral joint osteoarthritis with small ossific joint loose bodies and healed proximal left ulna shaft and coronoid process fractures 3. Elbow pain may be subsequent to malalignment from an old Monteggia fracture

Internal Fixation of a Complicated Mandibular Fracture in a Filly Using a String-of-Pearls Locking Plate Assisted by a 3D Printed Model

AbstractObjective The aim of this study was to describe the successful surgical treatment of a complicated mandibular fracture with a 3.5 mm string-of-pearls (SOP) locking plate in a 5-month-old Appaloosa filly presenting with neurological signs.Study Design This is a case report.Results The neurological signs were due to severe head trauma and stabilized with medical treatment. Financial concerns initially prevented advanced imaging; radiographs identified a mandibular symphysis fracture, a fracture of the left vertical ramus that originated at the junction between the horizontal and vertical ramus and extended toward the coronoid process and rostral maxillary fractures. Following intra-dental wiring of the symphysis fracture, a lateral malocclusion developed. Computed tomography additionally identified fractures of the right wing of the basisphenoid bone, right zygomatic arch, left paracondylar process and the lateral body of the mandible. The vertical ramus fracture was repaired utilizing a 20-hole 3.5 mm SOP plate contoured to the ventral aspect of the angle of the mandible. A scaled (1:4) three-dimensional printed model aided pre- and intra-operative surgical planning. The filly was comfortable and eating well at the 4-week recheck. Radiographs showed good callus formation at the maxilla, healing of the mandibular symphysis and ramus. Just prior to the 10-week recheck, the filly suffered severe enterocolitis and was euthanatized.Conclusion The locking function of the SOP plate provided adequate stability for the fracture to heal without the expense of locking screws. The three-dimensional printed model aided in navigation of the complex fracture without the availability of fluoroscopy.

The pronator teres and the flexor carpi radialis interval approach for operative fixation of ulna coronoid process fractures

BackgroundThe optimal approach for the fixation of coronoid process fractures is unknown. We present the advantages and the clinical effect of the pronator teres and the flexor carpi radialis interval approach for the treatment of ulna coronoid process fractures. MethodsThe patients, who had operative treatment of closed ulna coronoid process fracture by the pronator teres and the flexor carpi radialis interval approach between January 2011 to December 2016, were studied retrospectively. Seventeen consecutive patients had received surgical fixation by screws or a mini-plate through the above approach, of whom were 16 males and one female with an average age of 36.7 years (range, 21–58 years). There were 11 cases of type II and 6 cases of type III according to the O’Driscoll classification, of which, 6 patients had combined elbow dislocation, 2 patients showed elbow instability after fixation, and one had another incision to repair the lateral collateral ligament, and received a hinged external fixator. The other patient only received a hinged external fixator for 4 weeks. Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) was used to assess the function of elbow for each patient at the final follow-up. ResultsMean follow-up was 28.7 months (range, 24–38 months). Fracture union was achieved in each patient; the average time to radiologic union was 14.2 weeks (range, 12–16 weeks). At the final follow-up, the elbow extension degree of the affected side was (3.88±2.96°), reaching 98.1% of the normal side, and the flexion degree was (131.59±4.93°), reaching 98.16% of the normal side. The forearm pronation was (82.94±3.86°), reaching 94.31% of the normal side, and the supination activity was (82.12±3.82°), reaching 93% of the normal side. According to the MEPS, the functional recovery of the injured arm was assessed as excellent in 16 cases, and good in one. None of the patients showed any neurovascular or deep infections and no heterotopic ossification was found. ConclusionsThe pronator teres and the flexor carpi radialis interval approach has the advantages of simplicity, safety, minimal invasion, excellent exposure, and good postoperative function recovery for ulna coronoid process fracture.

Differential diagnosis and treatment of posterior Monteggia fracture and posterior dislocation of proximal ulna fracture

A classical Monteggia fracture is defined as an ulnar fracture with dislocation of the proximal radioulnar joints. If combined with posterior dislocation of the radial head (posterior dislocation of the radiocapitellar joints), it is called a posterior Monteggia fracture. And for those without dislocation of the proximal radioulnar joints, it should not be defined as the posterior Monteggia fracture, but as the posterior dislocation of the proximal ulna fracture. For dislocation of the proximal radioulnar joints, the Monteggia fractures, clinical are relatively rare. The coronoid process fracture is comminuted, the proximal radioulnar joints are destroyed, the membrane and the annular ligament is injured. After restoring osseous structure and repairing the lateral ligament complex, we must also pay attention to the stability of proximal radioulnar joints, and the prognostic efficacy not sure. However, posterior dislocation of proximal ulna fractures is relatively common in clinical practice, and the coronal process fracture is usually complete, with the annular ligament and interosseous membrane intact. In treatment, the bone structure is mainly restored, and the lateral ligament complex of elbow joint is treated at the same time, with good prognosis. Through anatomical basis, imaging characteristics, injury characteristics, treatment and prognosis, we can distinguish with the posterior Monteggia fracture and posterior dislocation of proximal ulna fracture.

Outcome of buttress plate fixation of coronoid process fracture via a modified anteromedial approach

Fractures of Coronoid process of ulna are rare and difficult injury to treat with pain and instability to elbow. The aim is to study outcomes of buttress plate fixation of coronoid via modified anteromedial approach. We evaluated 15 patients from august 2017 to September 2019 with 9 (60%) of type II & 6(40%) of type III Regan-Morrey fractures. At final follow up all patient were have solid osseous union with mean elbow flexion & extension movement was 0 to129 degrees,4 patients have extension lag of 5 degrees,12 patients had full flexion of elbow while 3 patients have flexion upto 120 degrees. Mean supination movement was 79 degrees & mean pronation movement was 80 degrees. The mean MEPS score was 95 with 12 (80%) excellent and 3 (20%) good results. Coronoid factors can be treated with modified anteromedial approach and Buttress plating with excellent outcomes.

Locking Plating of Coronoid Process Fractures of the Ulna

Locking Plating of Coronoid Process Fractures of the Ulna

Case Series of All-Arthroscopic Treatment for Terrible Triad of the Elbow: Indications and Clinical Outcomes

To evaluate the results of all-arthroscopic treatment of the terrible triad of the elbow, a combination of elbow dislocation, radial head dislocation, and coronoid process fracture, and its complications. We performed a retrospective review of consecutive patients with terrible triad who underwent all-arthroscopic treatment between January 2011 and December 2016. All-arthroscopic treatment was performed in the unstable elbows after manual reduction. Clinical evaluation was performed at least 2 years postoperatively. Patients with another fracture in the upper extremity and previous fracture of the affected elbow were excluded. A radial head fracture that was stable enough to reduce or involved less than 25% of the articular surface for partial excision and Regan-Morrey classification type I and type II coronoid process fractures were treated arthroscopically. Range of motion, radiologic outcomes, surgical complications, and the Mayo Elbow Performance Score were evaluated at the final follow-up. The Mann-Whitney test was used for statistical analysis. A total of 24 patients met the inclusion criteria, and the average age was 47.6 years. Coronoid process fractures were fixed in all patients, by use of Kirschner wires in 15 (62.5%) and pullout sutures in 9 (37.5%). Radial head fractures were treated using screw or K-wire fixation in 4 patients (16.7%); only the fragment of the fracture was resected in 11 patients (45.8%). In all 24 cases (100%), the lateral collateral ligaments were repaired. At the final follow-up, the mean flexion contracture angle was 4.8° ± 1.1° and the mean flexion angle was 132.5° ± 6.3°. Clinical scores were satisfactory, with a mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score of 93 points. However, nonunion of coronoid fractures was observed in 4 patients (16.7%). There was 1 case of pin-site irritation. All-arthroscopic treatment for the terrible triad can provide an excellent safety profile without the need for a large incision if the indications are met. Level IV, therapeutic case series.

Conservative Management of the Isolated Mandibular Coronoid Process Fracture

Conservative Management of the Isolated Mandibular Coronoid Process Fracture

Design of a novel anatomical plate for fractures of ulnar coronoid process

Objective To evaluate a self-designed novel anatomical bone plate for fractures of ulnar coronoid process in cadaveric specimens. Methods Our database search in the Imaging Center, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University (Qingdao) yielded CT reconstruction images of 45 normal adult elbows (26 males and 19 females) which met our criteria. On the 3D reformatted CT images, sagittal curvature angle of the ulnar coronal process (△1), tangent angle of the coronal process apex to olecranon fossa (△2), projective length (L) and projective height (H) were measured; the transverse width of the coronal process was also measured at 5 mm and 10 mm from the tip (K1 and K2). The minimum value was used for △2° in order to avoid cutting into the joint while the mean value for other parameters. After the shape of the plate and angles of the screws were designed using computer 3D software, a new anatomic plate for coronal process was produced. Five cadaver specimens were used to test the internal fixation of the coronal process with our novel anatomic bone plate. Attachment of the bone plate to the coronal process and screw penetration into the joint cavity were observed by X-ray and 3D CT scanning. Results △1 was 45.52°±6.07°, △2 65.25°±7.09° (the minimum value 53.2°), L 52.27±7.78 mm, H 21.62±2.63 mm, K1 16.32±2.22 mm and K2 14.58±2.18 mm. Our new anatomic bone plate was designed based on the above data. X-ray and 3D CT scan after plate internal fixation showed that our self-designed bone plate produced fine attachment and no screws penetrated into the joint. Conclusion Our new anatomical bone plate may perfectly fit the anatomy of the adult ulnar coronal process in size and shape so that the coronary process can be fully covered and no screws will penetrate into the joint cavity. Key words: Bone plate; Elbow Joint; Anatomy; Cadaver