Fractured coronoid process and fractured olecranon with subluxation of the elbow in an adult

Reconstruction of the coronoid process with iliac crest bone graft in complex fracture-dislocation of elbow

A 36-year-old man sustained posterior dislocation of left elbow joint with olecranon fracture, comminuted coronoid fracture and subluxation of proximal radioulnar joint. We reconstructed the coronoid process with autogenous iliac crest bone graft and reduced the olecranon fracture with internal fixation. In addition, we also repaired the medial collateral ligament, annular ligament and anterior capsule during the operation. He received immobilization of the left elbow for 3 weeks after surgery and started range of motion exercises. The radiographic bone union was found 2 months after operation. The range of motion of the elbow was full at 12 months after operation. The latest 2-year follow-up, the functional result of the elbow was excellent.

Use of osteochondral bone graft in coronoid fractures

Results of the treatment of the deficient coronoid and chronic elbow instability have not been reported. The purpose of this study was to analyze the results of structural bone graft for reconstruction of the coronoid process. Structural bone graft was used to reconstruct the coronoid process of 6 patients. All injuries were of the terrible triad: fracture of the coronoid, radial head fracture, and collateral ligament disruption. All cases had persistent posterior subluxation averaging 6 months (range, 1-13 months before reconstruction. Patient charts, surgical records, and radiographs were reviewed. All patients were contacted at a mean of 64 months after treatment to answer a specific set of questions to determine the Mayo Elbow Performance score. In 1 patient, radiographs showed complete resorption of the graft and severe osteoarthritis of the elbow at 54 months after surgery (case 4). The Mayo Elbow Performance score showed 1 excellent, 2 good, 1 fair, and 2 poor results. Structural bone graft may be a useful option for a deficient coronoid process and an unstable elbow, but the outcome is unpredictable.

Functional Outcome After Operative Treatment of Eight Type III Coronoid Process Fractures

BACKGROUND

There have been few reports about surgical outcomes of coronoid process fractures. Eight cases of clinical results of type III coronoid process fractures were reviewed.

METHODS

Eight patients with coronoid type III fracture were retrospectively reviewed. All were men with an average age of 33 years. There were three isolated fractures, two elbow dislocations, two radial head and neck fractures, and one medial collateral ligament rupture. An open reduction and internal fixation through an anterior approach with cannulated screws was used. The patients were followed up for a mean of 31 months (range, 24-60 months).

RESULTS

Average active elbow joint motion at the most recent follow-up was 105 degrees. The average Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 76.9 (range, 50-95). Of the results, there was one excellent, four good, two fair, and one poor.

CONCLUSION

Early open reduction and stable internal fixation provided a reliable method for the treatment of type III coronoid process fractures. Any associated injuries to the elbow and fracture comminution were considered as important prognostic factors.

Fracture dislocations of the elbow in athletes

Elbow dislocations can result in extensive injury to the supporting structures of the elbow joint. Principles of treatment include prompt reduction of the dislocation and treatment of associated fractures. The goal is to restore joint stability and to allow for early mobility. Most simple dislocations are stable after closed reduction with early mobility that can lead to anatomic and functional restoration. When stability is compromised, as with many complex dislocations, further stabilization with ligament repair, reconstruction, and fracture fixation also can lead to satisfactory results. The prognosis following complex dislocations is more guarded in the athlete, and depends on anatomic restoration and initiation of early motion.