Classification and treatment in the ulna coronoid process fractures / 中华骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To study the classification, management and outcome of the fracture of ulna coronoid process. Methods Retrospective analysis was carried out in 31 patients with fracture of ulna coronoid process. There were 19 males and 12 females with an average age of 29.8 years old (range, 18-52 years old). The fractures of ulna coronoid process were classified into 4 major groups based on the condition of the injury of ulna coronoid process, the anterior bundle of the ulnar collateral ligaments(UCL) and the elbow stability. The fracture of coronoid process within half of the height was defined as type Ⅰ. The half of coronoid process fracture with the injury of UCL was defined as type Ⅱ. The base of coronoid process fracture with the dislocation of elbow joint was defined as type Ⅲ, sometimes with the injury of UCL. The severe comminute fracture of coronoid process with elbow instability was defined as type Ⅳ. There were 11 cases in typeⅠ, 9 typeⅡ, 6 type Ⅲ and 5 type Ⅳ in our group. According to the type of injury we choose correlative treatment. Results The follow-up was 18-72 months(average 28.6 months). All the patients got fracture union, and without inflammation, neural injuries and elbow instability. 1 type Ⅲ and 2 type Ⅳ had traumatic osteoarthritis, and 2 type Ⅲ and 2 type Ⅳ occurred heterotopic ossification. There was a statistical significance when the motion range of two-side joints was compared in type Ⅳ. Conclusion We choose conservative treatment in the fracture of typeⅠ. But if the piece of bone affected motion of elbow joint, we can choose operative treatment, and elbow stability is not affected. The fracture of type Ⅱ and type Ⅲ with elbow instability should be reduced internal fixation and the ligament must be repaired or reconstructed. In cases of type Ⅳ, bone reconstruction is necessary to recover of elbow stability. Proper post-operative rehabilitation can decrease the rate of traumatic osteoarthritis.