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.