Treatment of fractures of the ulnar coronoid process

A Novel Suture-Preset Spring Plate System (SSPS) for Comminuted Coronoid Process Fracture in the Elbow

OBJECTIVE

This study is aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of a novel SSPS for fixation of the comminuted coronoid fracture.

METHODS

A retrospective study was carried out in the patients with comminuted fractures of the coronoid treated by SPSS fixation between January 2014 and December 2018. A total of 17 patients (17 sides) was included in our study, including 11 male and six female, with a mean age range from 18 to 60. All cases started to functional rehabilitation immediately after the operation. Clinical outcomes were evaluated both radiographically and functionally at the follow-up visit, including the elbow instability, range of motion and Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS).

RESULTS

According to the O'Driscoll classification system, there was two side of type 1.2, two of type 2.1, four of type 2.2, three of type 2.3, two of 3.1 and four of type 3.2. The surgery was carried out by Kocher and anteromedial approach in 12 patients, posterior and anteromedial approach in four, anterior approach in one. The average operation time and intraoperative blood loss was 129.41±43.87 min and 115.29±104.65 ml. The median follow-up time was 9 months (range, 6 to 15 months). The mean flexion, extension, pronation and supination motion was 138.76±8.67 degrees, 20.00±13.58, 82.94±5.32and 74.12±14.39 respectively at final follow up. The mean MEPS score was 89.76±8.46, including 11 excellent, 3 good and 3 fair result. The mean VAS score was 1.94±0.97. The mean union time of coronoid fractures was 2.77±0.31 months according to the established standard of healing. There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes among groups according to the O'Driscoll classification (P > .05) and ligament repair strategy (P > .05). No patient underwent instability or dislocation of the elbow during follow up. There were two cases with mild ulnar nerve symptoms which recovered totally at follow up. Meanwhile, there were three cases with heterotopic ossification of the elbow.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrated that the SSPS can provide a reliable fixation for the comminuted coronoid fracture with satisfactory clinical outcomes.

A comparative study on the validity and reliability of anterior, medial, and posterior approaches for internal fixation in the repair of fractures of the coronoid process of the ulna

Background

The coracoid process plays an important role in maintaining the stability of the elbow joint. A fracture of the coronoid process is often treated via surgical approaches, including open reduction and internal fixation, which aim to regain a stable, flexible, and loadable joint. In this study, we compared the anterior, medial, and posterior approaches of internal fixation in the repair of fractures of the coronoid process of the ulna.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 147 patients with fractures in the coronoid process of the ulna were recruited and classified into the anterior group (n = 73), the medial group (n = 32), and the posterior group (n = 42) according to the surgical approach used for internal fixation. These patients were assessed with respect to incision, operative time, estimated blood loss, fracture healing, and postoperative complications. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score was used to evaluate any form of disability associated with elbow injuries. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the factors influencing the efficacy of fractures of the coronoid process of the ulna.

Results

In the medial approach group, the operative time was longer, and perioperative blood loss and postoperative drainage volume were obviously increased compared with the anterior and posterior groups. The anterior group exhibited a better postoperative recovery compared with the medial, and posterior groups. Compared with the anterior group, fracture-healing time in the posterior group was further reduced, whereas elbow joint flexion extension and forearm rotation degree improved. Complications were significantly reduced in the posterior approach group compared with the anterior and medial groups. The factors influencing the efficacy of fractures of the coronoid process of the ulna included the Regan–Morrey classification, perioperative blood loss, and the internal fixation approach.

Conclusion

In summary, the approach used influences fracture healing or the outcome after osteosynthesis. The posterior internal fixation method produced satisfactory functional outcomes in patients with fractures of the coronoid process of the ulna.

Arthroscopic Osteosynthesis for the Treatment of Coronoid Process Fractures: A Case Series

The treatment strategy and surgical indication for coronoid process fractures are not clear. Many methods of surgery have been described. We report on the use of arthroscopic osteosynthesis for this type of fracture. This method is minimally invasive and effective for confirming the reduction, and it is advantageous for postoperative pain and early recovery after surgery.

Arthroscopic fixation of coronoid process fractures through coronoid tunnelling and capsular plication

PURPOSE

the purpose of this study is to describe a new arthroscopic technique for reduction and fixation of coronoid process fractures (CPFs) and report clinical and functional results in 4 patients after a 24-month follow-up.

METHODS

four patients underwent arthroscopic reduction and fixation of isolated CPFs (acute or non-unions, type I or type II according to the Regan-Morrey classification) performed using a new technique based on coronoid tunnelling and capsular plication. The patients were evaluated 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery, using the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scale (DASH), the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI), and a visual analog scale (VAS); elbow range of motion (ROM) and joint stability were also evaluated and the rate of complications was reported.

RESULTS

all 4 patients completed the follow-up. At 6, 12 and 24 months, respectively, they recorded mean DASH scores of 22, 14 and 7, mean MEPI scores of 74, 82 and 94, and mean VAS scores of 4, 2 and 1. The mean ROM increased in all directions (at 6, 12 and 24 months, respectively: flexion: 112°, 125°, 144°; extension: 3°, 5°, 6°; pronation: 76°, 84°, 91°; supination: 78°, 82°, 86°). No signs of instability were observed and no complications were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

the new all-arthroscopic coronoid tunnelling and capsular plication technique here proposed can restore elbow function, ROM and stability and allows anatomical reconstruction of the joint after type I or type II CPFs. If performed by an experienced arthroscopist, it is a valid alternative to open reduction and external fixation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, retrospective case series.

Complex coronoid and proximal ulna fractures are we getting better at fixing these?

Technological advances and improved understanding of functional anatomy about the elbow have lead an evolution regarding operative reconstruction of complex proximal ulnar and coronoid fractures. When treating these complex and challenging fractures, goals of anatomic articular restoration along with balanced soft tissue stability can lead to early range of motion and thus, desired functional outcome. The purpose of this review is to outline and provide tips and pearls to achieve desired results, with a comprehensive update on the most recent literature to support the latest fixation methods and techniques.

Risk factors for development of heterotopic ossification of the elbow after fracture fixation

BACKGROUND

Postoperative heterotopic ossification (HO) about the elbow may occur after surgical fixation of fractures and can contribute to dysfunction. Factors associated with HO formation after surgical fixation of elbow trauma are not well understood.

METHODS

All patients who underwent surgery for elbow trauma at our institution from October 2001 through August 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with prior injury or deformity to the involved elbow were excluded. Demographic data; fracture type; surgical treatment; and presence, location, and size of HO were recorded. The Fisher exact test, χ(2) test, and multivariate logistic regression were used with an α value of .05 used for significance.

RESULTS

A total of 159 patients were identified, with 89 (37 men and 52 women) meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. The mean age was 54.4 years (range, 18-90 years), and the mean follow-up time was 180 days. Age, male gender, lateral collateral ligament repair, and dual-incision approach were not associated with increased ectopic bone formation. Distal humeral fractures were a significant predictor of heterotopic bone. In patients in whom HO ultimately developed, it was visible on radiographs obtained 2 weeks postoperatively in 86% of cases.

CONCLUSION

This investigation found predictors for the development of HO after surgical fixation of intra-articular elbow fractures. Furthermore, HO went on to develop at the time of final follow-up in only 14% of patients without HO on radiographs obtained 2 weeks postoperatively. This may suggest that absence of HO on radiographs obtained 2 weeks postoperatively may predict a more favorable outcome.