Coronoid Reconstruction Research Articles

Coronoid fractures and complex elbow instability: current concepts.

Fractures of the coronoid process typically occur as part of more complex injury patterns, such as terrible triads, trans-olecranon fracture-dislocations, posteromedial rotatory injuries or Monteggia-like lesions. Each pattern is associated with a specific type of coronoid fracture with regard to shape and size and specific soft-tissue lesions. O' Driscoll classification incorporates those associations identifying three major types of fractures: tip, anteromedial facet, and basal fractures. The objective of this study is to review the most common types of complex elbow instability, identify the indications for coronoid fixation and guide the appropriate management. Tip fractures as those seen in terrible triads can conditionally left untreated provided that elbow stability has been restored after radial head fixation and ligaments repair. Anteromedial facet fractures benefit from a buttress plate, while large basilar fractures can be effectively secured with posteroanterior screws. Coronoid reconstruction with a graft should be considered in post-traumatic cases of chronic coronoid deficiency.

Coronoid reconstruction with autologous iliac crest bone graft in chronic elbow instability through amedial approach

Neutralizing a posteromedial rotatory instability (PMRI) caused by coronoid deficiency by restoration of the humeroulnar joint surface with an autologous iliac crest bone graft. Surgery is indicated in patients with chronic deficiency of the anteromedial facet of the coronoid with subsequent PMRI. Coronoid reconstruction is not recommended in patients with advanced osteoarthritis of the elbow caused by subluxation of the humeroulnar joint. General contraindications like acute infection, pregnancy and lack of operability should also be taken into account. First, amedial approach is established and the base of the coronoid is prepared. Afterwards an autologous iliac crest bone graft is placed onto the defect and secured by screws or aplate. In addition, a reconstruction of the anterior bundle of the medial collateral ligament with an autologous tendon graft is performed. An elbow orthesis is worn for 6weeks after surgery to avoid valgus or varus stress. There is no restriction in range of motion. Acontinuous passive motion elbow chair supports the patient in regaining elbow mobility. Between 2015 and 2017, we treated 10patients suffering from chronic coronoid defects with coronoid reconstruction. Eight of the patients were available for follow-up 86weeks after surgery. The mean age was 41.4years. In all patients, elbow range of motion and patient-related outcome measures were improved after surgery. Plain radiographs illustrated correct centering of the elbow joint. One patient had to undergo elbow arthroplasty and was excluded. Coronoid reconstruction with an autologous iliac crest bone graft restored humeroulnar joint congruency and improved satisfaction in patients suffering from chronic coronoid deficiency.

Coronoid process reconstruction with a distal clavicle autograft: an in silico analysis of fitting accuracy

The coronoid process plays a vital role in preserving elbow stability. In cases of acute or chronic deficiency of the coronoid process, reconstruction is warranted to restore stability and to avoid early joint degeneration. The distal clavicle might be a useful osteochondral autograft for coronoid reconstruction with low donor-site morbidity. This study evaluated the fitting accuracy of the distal clavicle as an autograft for coronoid process reconstruction. One hundred upper-extremity computed tomography scans of 85 body donors were available for this study (mean age, 69 ± 17 years; 46 male and 39 female donors; 15 bilateral specimens). Standardized 40% transverse defects of the coronoid process were digitally created; the distal clavicles were digitally harvested and placed onto the defects by a best-fit technique in 2 different orientations using commercially available software: (1) with the superior aspect of the articular surface of the graft oriented toward the coronoid tip and (2) with the inferior aspect of the articular surface of the graft oriented toward the coronoid tip. The fitting accuracy of the grafts to the native coronoid process was evaluated from lateral to medial using custom code. Regardless of the orientation of the graft, the distal clavicle provided a good fit in the central portion of the coronoid process. In the lateral and medial aspects of the defect, however, the fitting accuracy of the graft declined significantly (P ≤ .044). No significant differences were observed between ipsilateral and contralateral grafts (P ≥ .199). The intrarater reliability was excellent. The results of this study suggest that a distal clavicle autograft may be suitable to replace a transverse defect of the coronoid process; however, it may not fully reconstruct the anteromedial and anterolateral aspects of the coronoid.

Osteochondral reconstruction for post-traumatic coronoid deficiency.

This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcome and graft survival following coronoid reconstruction with osteochondral bone grafts for post-traumatic coronoid deficiency treatment. We hypothesized that coronoid reconstruction using an osteochondral bone graft will provide favorable results in treating post-traumatic coronoid deficiency. A retrospective review was performed on eight patients (mean age = 45.8 years) who underwent osteochondral bone graft reconstruction indicated for post-traumatic coronoid deficiency. The osteochondral bone grafts were obtained from the radial head remnant (four patients), olecranon tip (two patients), and iliac crest (two patients). All the injuries were terrible triad. The mean duration from injury to surgery was 79.3 weeks. The visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, motion arc, and Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) were used to evaluate the clinical outcome. Radiologic evaluation of graft healing and integrity was performed using computed tomography at 19 months and plain elbow radiography at 24.1 months after reconstruction. The immediate graft height was measured. VAS and MEPS values improved from 4.1 ± 1.2 to 1.1 ± 0.3 and 34.2 ± 16.9 to 85.0 ± 7.1, respectively (p = 0.018, p = 0.018) after reconstruction. The motion arc significantly improved from 84.2° ± 16.1° to 102.1° ± 18.2° at the final follow-up of 39.1 ± 18.8 months (p = 0.048). All the osteochondral grafts survived, with nonunion in two patients (25%). The mean immediate graft height was 15.4 ± 2.6 mm. Among the eight patients, three (37.5%) developed secondary osteoarthritis of the ulnohumeral joint. Coronoid reconstruction with osteochondral bone graft may serve as an option to salvage post-traumatic coronoid deficiency. Sufficient graft height was required for graft survival. Secondary osteoarthritis of the ulnohumeral joint should not be underestimated during follow-up.

Coronoid reconstruction using iliac crest bone autograft in a child with congenital elbow instability

Coronoid reconstruction using iliac crest bone autograft in a child with congenital elbow instability

Coronoid reconstruction using osteochondral grafts: a biomechanical study

The purposes of this study were to test the hypothesis that coronoid deficiency in the setting of posteromedial rotatory instability (PMRI) must be reconstructed to restore articular contact pressures to normal and to compare 3 different osteochondral grafts for this purpose. After creation of a anteromedial fracture, six cadaveric elbows were tested under gravity varus stress using a custom-made machine designed to simulate muscle loads and to passively flex the elbow. Mean articular surface contact pressure data were collected and processed using TekScan sensors and software. After testing of the intact specimen (intact condition), a PMRI injury was created (PMRI condition). Testing was repeated after reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) (LCL-only condition), followed by reconstruction of the coronoid with 3 different osteochondral graft techniques (reconstructed conditions). Contact pressure was consistently significantly higher in the PMRI elbow compared with the intact, LCL-only, and reconstructed conditions (P < .006). The LCL-only elbow contact pressure was significantly higher than that of the intact and reconstructed conditions from 5° to 55° of flexion (P = .018). The contact pressure of the intact elbow was never significantly different from that of the reconstructed elbow, except at 5° of flexion (P ≤ .008). No significant difference was detected between each of the reconstructed techniques (P ≥ .15). However, the annular surface of the radial head was the only graft that yielded contact pressures not significantly different from normal at any flexion angle. Isolated reconstruction of the LCL did not restore native articular surface contact pressure, and reconstruction of the coronoid using osteochondral graft was necessary. There was no difference in contact pressures among the 3 coronoid reconstruction techniques.

Prosthetic replacement for coronoid deficiency: report of three cases

Persistent elbow instability associated with coronoid deficiency is a difficult condition to treat. Several surgical techniques have been described for coronoid reconstruction, but the resulting outcomes have been unpredictable. We hypothesized that a coronoid prosthesis could restore elbow stability. A nonanatomically shaped metallic coronoid prosthesis was custom designed for each of 3 patients. Each had a chronic fracture-subluxation with persistent instability, deficiencies of the coronoid, and compromise of the radial head. Each patient had undergone 2 to 4 prior failed operations. At a mean follow-up of 11 years (range, 10-12), 2 of the 3 patients were completely pain free; the third had a visual analog scale pain score not greater than 3/10. All 3 maintained a stable joint, although a functional range of motion was not able to be maintained in any. Two patients rated themselves "improved" and 1 patient rated himself "almost normal" on the Summary Outcome Determination scale. All radiographic follow-up showed the coronoid prosthesis in proper position without loosening. Prosthetic replacement of the coronoid appears successful in restoring stability in chronically unstable elbows with coronoid deficiency.

Coronoid reconstruction with an osteochondral radial head graft

Chronic coronoid deficiency can occur subsequent to coronoid fracture malunion/nonunion or to coronoid hypoplasia or dysplasia resulting from injury during development. Several surgical options have been described to treat this difficult condition, but results are equivocal. We hypothesized that a modified coronoid reconstruction using a radial head osteochondral graft could restore elbow stability and congruity and that a technique involving rigid internal fixation would promote graft union. The coronoid was reconstructed using an osteochondral fragment from a frozen allograft radial head in 3 young women affected by complex post-traumatic elbow instability and incongruity resulting from coronoid deficiency. To promote bone healing, the fragment was kept as large as could be fitted in place, the cut surface compressed onto the remaining coronoid was as large as possible, the medial portion of the radial head (containing dense bone) was used, and 3 lag screws were inserted in different directions. At a mean follow-up of 26 months, all 3 patients achieved a painless, congruent stable joint with a functional range of motion. Computed tomography scans performed 3 months after surgery showed complete union of the graft in all the patients. Each patient rated herself as "almost normal" or "greatly improved" on the Summary Outcome Determination scale. Coronoid reconstruction with a radial head osteochondral allograft was successful in restoring stability and function in chronically unstable elbows with coronoid deficiency. Strong fixation using a large segment of the medial radial head achieved rapid graft healing.

Nonacute Treatment of Elbow Fracture with Persistent Ulnohumeral Dislocation or Subluxation.

➤ There are patterns of traumatic elbow instability that help a surgeon to anticipate which structures are injured.➤ Patients treated for persistent subluxation or dislocation of the elbow more than two weeks after injury regain less motion and experience more adverse events.➤ The primary goal of treatment is stable reduction of the ulnohumeral joint and functional elbow motion.➤ Motion and pain are affected by contracture and scarring of the soft tissues, malalignment of the joint, fracture malunion, damage to the articular surface, and ulnar neuropathy.➤ Biomechanical and clinical studies support treatment with radial head arthroplasty and/or coronoid reconstruction for patients who have osseous insufficiency.

Reconstruction of the Coronoid Process Using the Tip of the Ipsilateral Olecranon

Autograft reconstruction of the coronoid using the tip of the olecranon has been described as a treatment option for comminuted coronoid fractures or coronoid nonunions that are not repairable. The purpose of this in vitro biomechanical study of the coronoid-deficient elbow was to determine whether coronoid reconstruction using the tip of the ipsilateral olecranon would restore elbow kinematics. An elbow motion simulator was used to perform active and passive extension of six cadaveric arms in the horizontal, valgus, varus, and vertical orientations. Elbow kinematics were quantified with use of the screw displacement axis of the ulna with respect to the humerus. Testing was performed with an intact coronoid, a 40% coronoid deficiency, and a coronoid reconstruction using the tip of the ipsilateral olecranon. Creation of a 40% coronoid deficiency resulted in significant changes (range, 3.6° to 10.9°) in the angular deviations of the screw displacement axis relative to the intact state during simulated active and passive extension in the varus orientation with the forearm in pronation and in supination (p < 0.05). Reconstruction of the coronoid using the ipsilateral olecranon tip restored the angular deviations to those in the intact state (p > 0.05) with the arm in all orientations except valgus, in which there was a small but significant difference (0.4° ± 0.2°, p = 0.04) during passive motion with forearm supination. Reconstruction of the coronoid using the tip of the ipsilateral olecranon was an effective method for restoring normal kinematics over a range of elbow motion from 20° to 120° in a cadaveric model of an elbow with a 40% coronoid deficiency. This reconstruction technique may prove beneficial for patients with elbow instability due to coronoid deficiency.

Coronoid Reconstruction Using the Excised Radial Head in Complex Elbow Trauma: A Surgical Tip

Coronoid Reconstruction Using the Excised Radial Head in Complex Elbow Trauma: A Surgical Tip

Reconstruction of deficient coronoid for treatment of chronic elbow dislocation

Objective To report clinical results of reconstruction of the deficient coronoid to improve the elbow stability for the treatment of chronic elbow dislocation. Methods From July 2008 to January 2010, we preformed coronoid reconstruction with autogenous olecranon or radial head after arthrolysis for 6 patients with chronic elbow dislocation complicated with deficient coronoid. All the 6 patients were male, withan average age of 30.5 years (18 to 42 years) at the time of surgery. Four right and 2 left elbows were affected. The average time from injury to surgery was 5 months (2 to 11 months) . All the primary injuries were terrible triad. The average range of elbow motion before operation was 13.3° (0 to 35°), and the average range of forearm rotation before operation was 62.5° (10° to 140°) . Through a standard posterior skin inci sion, the elbow joint was dislocated posteriorly in extension after arthrolysis to reconstruct the coronoid with autogenous olecranon or radial head. After fixation with screws or k-wires, the Stryker hinged external fixator was used for protection. Exercise began the first day after operation, Indomethacin was administered to prevent ectopic ossification. The external fixator was removed after 8 weeks. Results The mean follow-up time was 12 months (3 to 21 months) . The average range of elbow motion after operation was 120.0° ( 100° to 140°), and the average range of forearm rotation after operation was 141.7° (110°to 170°) . The average Mayo elbow performance score increased from 51.7 (50 to 55) before operation to 97.5 (85 to 100) after operation. All the 6 elbows were stable in extension after coronoid reconstruction. Conclusion Since coronoid reconstruction with autogenous olecranon or radial head can substantially improve the elbow stability,it is a good treatment for chronic elbow dislocation complicated with deficient coronoid. Key words: Elbow joints; Dislocation; Wounds and injuries; Recovery of function

0349 OBSTETRIC COMPLICATIONS AND COGNITIVE DECLINE IN FIRST EPISODE PSYCHOSIS

Chronic coronoid deficiency can occur subsequent to coronoid fracture malunion/nonunion or to coronoid hypoplasia or dysplasia resulting from injury during development. Several surgical options have been described to treat this difficult condition, but results are equivocal. We hypothesized that a modified coronoid reconstruction using a radial head osteochondral graft could restore elbow stability and congruity and that a technique involving rigid internal fixation would promote graft union.The coronoid was reconstructed using an osteochondral fragment from a frozen allograft radial head in 3 young women affected by complex post-traumatic elbow instability and incongruity resulting from coronoid deficiency. To promote bone healing, the fragment was kept as large as could be fitted in place, the cut surface compressed onto the remaining coronoid was as large as possible, the medial portion of the radial head (containing dense bone) was used, and 3 lag screws were inserted in different directions.At a mean follow-up of 26 months, all 3 patients achieved a painless, congruent stable joint with a functional range of motion. Computed tomography scans performed 3 months after surgery showed complete union of the graft in all the patients. Each patient rated herself as “almost normal” or “greatly improved” on the Summary Outcome Determination scale.Coronoid reconstruction with a radial head osteochondral allograft was successful in restoring stability and function in chronically unstable elbows with coronoid deficiency. Strong fixation using a large segment of the medial radial head achieved rapid graft healing.

Use of the Elbow Compass Universal Hinge in Pediatric Patients

The purpose of this study was to review the Compass Universal Hinge dynamic elbow external fixator in pediatric conditions. Eight patients with diagnoses of ulnar club hand (n = 2), proximal radial synostosis with hypoplastic coronoid (n = 1), pterygium cubitale (n = 2), and elbow arthrofibrosis (n = 3) were identified. Indications for fixator placement were to maintain elbow stability during forearm lengthening (two cases), protect a coronoid reconstruction (one case), increase range of motion via the fixator (two cases), and maintain stability and increase range of motion after open release (three cases). There were five boys and three girls with an average age at surgery of 11.5 (range 3-19) years. In each case, the goal for fixator use was achieved: both forearm lengthenings were completed without elbow instability, the coronoid reconstruction healed in good position, and four of five patients obtained increased range of motion via the fixator (average improved arc of motion of 31 degrees), with all elbows remaining reduced and stable. Complications included four pin tract infections, one of which became osteomyelitis; two broken/loose pins; and two cases of decreased elbow range of motion. Average follow-up was 29 (range 3-62) months. Use of the Compass Universal Hinge dynamic external fixator can be adapted to children and has proven useful in managing certain difficult conditions.

Coronoid process and radial head as posterolateral rotatory stabilizers of the elbow.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of the radial head and the coronoid process as posterolateral rotatory stabilizers of the elbow and to determine the stabilizing effect of radial head replacement and coronoid reconstruction. The posterolateral rotatory displacement of the ulna was measured after application of a valgus and supinating torque (1). in seven intact elbows, (2). after radial head excision, (3). after sequential resection of the coronoid process, (4). after subsequent insertion of each of two different types of metal radial head prostheses (a rigid implant and a bipolar implant with a floating cup), and (5). after subsequent reconstruction of the coronoid with each of two different techniques in the same cadaveric elbow. The posterolateral rotatory laxity averaged 5.4 degrees in the intact elbows. The surgical approach used in this study insignificantly increased the mean laxity to 9 degrees. Excision of the radial head in an elbow with intact collateral ligaments caused a mean posterolateral rotatory laxity of 18.6 degrees (p < 0.0001). Additional removal of 30% of the height of the coronoid fully destabilized the elbows, always resulting in ulnohumeral dislocation despite intact ligaments. Implantation of a rigid radial head prosthesis stabilized the elbows. However, a mean laxity of 16.9 degrees persisted after insertion of a floating prosthesis (p < 0.0001). The elbows with a defect of 50% or 70% of the coronoid, loss of the radial head, and intact ligaments could not be stabilized by radial head replacement alone, but additional coronoid reconstruction restored stability. The results of this study suggest that the coronoid and the radial head contribute significantly to posterolateral rotatory stability.