Open reduction and internal fixation of Mason type III radial head fractures with and without an associated elbow dislocation

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the treatment of patients with Mason type III radial head fracture with and without elbow dislocation by open reduction with internal fixation, collateral ligament repair, and early mobilization. An additional purpose was to investigate whether there is any effect of elbow dislocation on the severity and functional outcome. METHODS: Twenty-five patients were treated with open reduction with internal fixation using low-profile miniplate and screws for comminuted fracture of the radial head. Eighteen fractures were Mason type III, and 7 fractures were Mason type III with elbow dislocation. There were 5 women and 20 men with a mean age of 34 years. The mean follow-up time was 27 months. Patients were reviewed for functional ability, physical examination, and radiographic assessment. RESULTS: The mean functional index in Mason type III fracture and Mason type III fracture with elbow dislocation was 87 for both groups. The mean range of motion at the elbow joint was calculated as 5 degrees extension to 136 degrees flexion for Mason type III and 7 degrees extension to 133 degrees flexion for Mason type III with elbow dislocation. The mean pronation and supination for all patients were 74 degrees and 67 degrees , respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Selected Mason III radial head fractures and fracture dislocations could be stabilized satisfactorily with internal fixation. Meticulous surgical technique, combined with rigid internal fixation, can allow early motion of the forearm and elbow after fixation of Mason type III radial head fractures with and without elbow dislocation and ligamentous injury. We believe there is still a role for prosthetic replacement in comminuted Mason III radial head fractures that cannot reliably be treated with open reduction and internal fixation. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic II.     

关节镜下埋头空心钉内固定治疗Mason Ⅱ型桡骨头骨折的疗效观察

目的探讨关节镜下埋头空心钉内固定治疗MasonⅡ型桡骨头骨折的手术方法和临床疗效。方法回顾性分析自2012-03—2016-02采用肘关节镜辅助下埋头空心钉内固定治疗的24例MasonⅡ型桡骨头骨折。末次随访时进行肘关节功能MEPS评分,测量并比较双侧肘关节屈伸和旋转活动度。结果 24例术后切口均一期愈合,术后平均随访13.2(9~18)个月。术后骨折均愈合,愈合时间3~4个月,平均3.2个月。所有患者均无骨折畸形愈合、空心钉退出、空心钉断裂、神经损伤等并发症。末次随访时肘关节功能MEPS评分平均97.3分,其中优21例,良3例,优良率100%。末次随访时双侧肘关节屈伸和旋转活动度差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论关节镜下埋头空心钉内固定治疗MasonⅡ型桡骨头骨折具有创伤小、固定满意、术后恢复快、并发症少等优点,有利于肘关节功能恢复,临床疗效满意。     

Mason type II radial head fractures: operative versus nonoperative treatment.

The most appropriate treatment of Mason type II radial head fractures remains controversial. Recommended treatment has included closed reduction and immobilization, resection, or open reduction and internal fixation. The cases of 29 Mason type II radial head fractures treated at Naval Hospital Oakland from 1983 to 1989 were identified. Twenty-six or 90% were available for detailed follow-up. All cases underwent standardized elbow evaluations and results were compared using an elbow score based on a 100-point scale. The parameters evaluated were pain, motion, elbow and grip strength, and function in activities of daily living. In addition, injury and follow-up radiographs were analyzed. Mean follow-up was 18 months. There were 10 cases treated by open reduction and internal fixation and 16 cases treated by closed means. At final follow-up, the operatively treated group had a mean elbow score of 92 and 90% good/excellent results. The nonoperatively treated group had a mean elbow score of 77 and 44% good/excellent results. This difference was statistically significant (p less than 0.01). Radiographic analysis revealed a higher incidence of articular depression, displacement, and joint narrowing in the nonoperatively treated group. We conclude that displaced radial head fractures treated nonoperatively have a higher incidence of pain, functional limitations, loss of strength, and radiographic evidence of arthritis when compared to those treated by open reduction and internal fixation.     

Radial head fractures and their effect on the distal radioulnar joint. A rationale for treatment.

Nineteen patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation for radial head fractures. Open reduction and internal fixation was performed to avoid radial head excision and the possible development of distal radioulnar joint dysfunction. Follow-up observation, which averaged 11.7 months, revealed that no patient developed wrist pain. Range of motion of the elbow and forearm was found to be complete in 14 patients and minimally restricted in four. Fourteen patients were pain free with full activity, and four had mild to moderate pain after heavy labor. One patient subsequently required radial head excision. Based on these findings and the authors continued disappointment with treatment of distal radioulnar joint dysfunction caused by proximal radial migration after radial head excision, the authors recommend early open reduction and internal fixation of all displaced or angulated radial head fractures.     

Open reduction and internal fixation of fractures of the radial head

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this retrospective study was to analyze the functional results following open reduction and internal fixation of fractures of the radial head and to determine which fracture patterns are most amenable to this treatment. METHODS: Fifty-six patients in whom an intra-articular fracture of the radial head had been treated with open reduction and internal fixation were evaluated at an average of forty-eight months after injury. Thirty patients had a Mason Type-2 (partial articular) fracture, and twenty-six had a Mason Type-3 (complete articular) fracture. Twenty-seven of the fifty-six fractures were associated with a fracture-dislocation of the forearm or elbow or an injury of the medial collateral ligament. Fifteen of the thirty Type-2 fractures were comminuted. Fourteen of the twenty-six Type-3 fractures consisted of more than three fragments, and twelve consisted of two or three fragments. The result at the final evaluation was judged to be unsatisfactory when there was early failure of fixation or nonunion requiring a second operation to excise the radial head, <100 degrees of forearm rotation, or a fair or poor rating according to the system of Broberg and Morrey. RESULTS: The result was unsatisfactory for four of the fifteen patients with a comminuted Mason Type-2 fracture of the radial head; all four fractures had been associated with a fracture-dislocation of the forearm or elbow, and all four patients recovered <100 degrees of forearm rotation. Thirteen of the fourteen patients with a Mason Type-3 comminuted fracture with more than three articular fragments had an unsatisfactory result. In contrast, all fifteen patients with an isolated, noncomminuted Type-2 fracture had a satisfactory result. Of the twelve patients with a Type-3 fracture that split the radial head into two or three simple fragments, none had early failure, one had nonunion, and all had an arc of forearm rotation of > or =100 degrees. CONCLUSIONS: Although current implants and techniques for internal fixation of small articular fractures have made it possible to repair most fractures of the radial head, our data suggest that open reduction and internal fixation is best reserved for minimally comminuted fractures with three or fewer articular fragments. Associated fracture-dislocation of the elbow or forearm may also compromise the long-term result of radial head repair, especially with regard to restoration of forearm rotation.     

切开复位内固定治疗移位的桡骨头骨折

[目的]探讨切开复位内固定治疗成人移位桡骨头骨折的手术技术。[方法]本组移位桡骨头骨折26例,MasonⅡ型16例,Ⅲ型6例,Ⅳ型4例。22例用肘后外侧Kocher切口,另外4例用肘后正中切口以便同时处理合并的尺骨近端骨折。复位后用微型钢板螺钉固定,并使内固定物不妨碍关节活动。[结果]随访平均32个月,无骨间后神经损伤及感染发生,26例骨折均顺利愈合。按照Broberg和Morrey肘部评分标准,优17例,良9例。[结论]切开复位内固定治疗移位桡骨头骨折可取得满意疗效,术中应注意以下方面：（1）保护、修复尺骨外侧副韧带;（2）防止损伤骨间后神经;（3）努力达到解剖复位;（4）固定既要坚强可靠,又要不阻碍关节的运动。     

Comminuted fractures of the radial head. Comparison of resection and internal fixation

BACKGROUND: Satisfactory internal fixation of comminuted radial head fractures is often difficult to achieve, and radial head resection has been the accepted treatment. In this study, we compared the results of radial head resection with those of open reduction and internal fixation in patients with a comminuted radial head fracture. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with a Mason type-III radial head fracture (some with associated injuries) were enrolled in the study. Fifteen patients underwent radial head resection as the initial treatment (Group I), and thirteen patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation (Group II). The age at the operation averaged 41.1 and 38.2 years, respectively, and the duration of follow-up averaged ten and three years, respectively. The outcomes were assessed on the basis of pain, motion, radiographic findings, and strength measured with Cybex testing. The overall outcome was rated with the functional rating score described by Broberg and Morrey and with the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Elbow Assessment Form. RESULTS: Elbow motion averaged 15.5 degrees (extension loss) to 131.4 degrees (flexion) in Group I and 7.1 degrees to 133.8 degrees in Group II. The carrying angle and ulnar variance averaged 8.2 degrees and 1.9 mm in Group I and 1.5 degrees and 0.5 mm in Group II. Compared with Group II, Group I had a loss of strength in extension, pronation, and supination (p < 0.01). The Broberg and Morrey functional rating score averaged 81.4 points in Group I and 90.7 points in Group II (p = 0.0034). The score on the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Elbow Assessment Form averaged 87.3 points in Group I and 94.6 points in Group II (p = 0.0031). CONCLUSIONS: The patients in whom the comminuted radial head fracture was treated with open reduction and internal fixation had satisfactory joint motion, with greater strength and better function than the patients who had undergone radial head resection. These results support a recommendation for open reduction and internal fixation in the treatment of this fracture.     

Treatment of displaced radial head fractures by internal fixation with absorbable pins

Objective: To study the effect of internal fixation with absorbable pins on treatment of displaced radial head fractures. Methods: From May 1999 to May 2004, 16 patients with displaced radial head fractures (Mason typesⅡandⅢ) were treated with internal fixation by absorbable pins. The duration of follow-up averaged 22.6 months (12-58 months). The outcome was assessed on the basis of elbow motion, radiographic findings and the functional rating score delineated by Broberg and Morrey. Results:All fractures healed within 10 months without avascular necrosis of radial head. The mean elbow flexion loss was 15°(0°-35°), and pronation and supination decreased by 10°(0°-30°) on average compared with those of the contralateral elbow. Five patients had an excellent result, 6 a good result, and 3 a fair result according to the criteria of Borberg and Morrey. Conclusions: Internal fixation with absorbable pins is an effective method in treating displaced radial head fractures. It can maintain the biomechanical stability of forearm, improve the elbow function and avoid second operation.     

Die Behandlung komplexer Ellbogenverletzungen mit einem gelenküberbrückenden Fixateur mit Bewegungsachse

Biomechanical investigations in eight specimen elbow joints to test articulated external fixation showed correct extension-flexion joint position between 0 and 120 degrees. The central axis through the radial and ulnar condyles varies less than 3 degrees in total. X-ray cinematography showed correct articulation in all cases without subluxation. In six patients with persistent subluxation and complex fracture of the proximal ulna external fixation with an additional articulation was placed. All patients began with physiotherapy on the 3rd day after operation, the range of joint motion was 0-30-95 degrees in all cases, after 6 weeks 0-30-110 degrees. Additional articulated external fixation at the elbow joint can be an alternative treatment to long-term transfixation of the elbow in cases of complex injury.     

尺骨近端粉碎性骨折伴肘关节不稳定的治疗

目的 探讨尺骨近端粉碎性骨折伴肘关节不稳定的治疗方法及疗效.方法 尺骨近端粉碎性骨折伴肘关节不稳定患者33例,男23例,女10例;年龄21～61岁,平均41.3岁.11例合并桡骨头骨折,15例合并尺骨冠突骨折,7例同时合并桡骨头及尺骨冠突骨折.采用钢板螺钉内固定治疗,其中一期植骨9例.合并桡骨头骨折患者,如骨折粉碎不严重,复位后用克氏针固定,并修补环状韧带;如骨折粉碎严重,则行人工桡骨头置换,同时取自体掌长肌腱重建环状韧带.合并尺骨冠突骨折患者,12例Ⅱ、Ⅲ型骨折患者,选用克氏针或拉力螺钉固定骨折块,同时探查尺侧副韧带前束,如损伤予以修复或重建;4例Ⅳ型骨折患者,取自体骨重建冠突,取自体掌长肌腱重建尺侧副韧带前束.结果 患者伤口均一期愈合,骨折愈合率为100%.术后随访8～36个月,平均22个月.3例有创伤性关节炎表现,4例发生轻度创伤性骨化.肘关节平均屈伸范围为112°±24°,前臂平均旋转活动范围为108°±27°.按照Morrey等肘关节功能评定标准进行评价:优10例,良14例,可7例,差2例,总优良率为72.7%.结论 治疗尺骨近端粉碎性骨折伴肘关节不稳可采用钢板螺钉固定尺骨近端骨折,必要时行一期植骨,注意对桡骨头、尺骨冠突骨折及肘关节侧副韧带损伤的治疗,以防止肘关节不稳定.     

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.     

手术治疗桡骨头前侧塌陷骨折

目的：探讨手术治疗桡骨头前侧塌陷骨折的临床疗效.方法：2006年3月至2013年1月收治17例桡骨头前侧塌陷骨折的患者,根据Mason分型,Ⅱ型12例,Ⅲ型5例.采用肘关节后外侧入路进行切开复位,并用Herbert钉或钛空心钉进行内固定.结果：术后均获随访,时间6～18个月,平均11.3个月.根据Broberg和Money肘关节功能评分标准评定：优2例,良12例,可3例.术后未发生肘部感染、神经损伤、骨不连、创伤性关节炎、异位骨化以及肘关节不稳定.但术后患侧肘关节活动范围小于健侧.结论：桡骨头前侧塌陷骨折容易漏诊,可以通过肘关节后外侧入路进行切开复位内固定.     

有限切开锁定钢板内固定治疗肱骨近端骨折

目的 探讨有限切开锁定钢板内固定治疗肱骨近端骨折的疗效.方法 采用有限切开锁定钢板内固定治疗97例肱骨近端骨折患者.记录并发症发生情况.术后6个月采用Neer评分标准评价肩关节功能.末次随访时记录患者肩关节活动范围.结果 患者均获得随访,时间6～15个月.未发生切口感染、肩峰撞击、肩关节僵硬及肱骨头缺血坏死等并发症.术...     

不同类型尺骨近端骨折的内固定选择和疗效分析

目的探讨不同类型尺骨近端骨折的临床特点、内固定选择、手术策略和临床疗效。 方法回顾性分析2014年6月至2017年6月收治的45例尺骨近端骨折患者资料，男26例、女19例；年龄19~65岁，平均40.8岁；致伤原因：摔伤25例，高处坠落伤12例，交通伤8例。所有患者均行手术治疗，根据骨折的特点和类型分别选择克氏针张力带、解剖钢板或两者联合的方法固定骨折，恢复骨性结构的稳定性。合并尺骨冠状突骨折采用袢钢板固定。合并桡骨头骨折采用微型钢板固定或金属桡骨头置换。合并韧带损伤时均采用带线锚钉缝合固定修补。 结果45例患者获15.6个月（12~24个月）随访。随访结果：所有患者均获骨性愈合，愈合时间平均为11.2周（8~16周）。末次随访：肘部屈曲活动80°~135°，平均121°；肘部伸直活动0~30°，平均8°。Mayo肘关节功能评分为50~100分，平均88.2分，其中优26例，良15例，可2例，差2例，优良率为91.1％。 结论尺骨近端骨折形态各异，应该根据受伤机制、骨折特点及患者情况进行骨折严重程度的评估和分型，选择合理的内固定方式，积极进行术后康复，恢复良好的肘关节功能。     

Diagnosis,treatment and complications of radial head and neck fractures in the pediatric patient

Radial head and neck fractures represent up to 14% of all pediatric elbow fractures and can be a difficult challenge in the pediatric patient. In up to 39% of proximal radius fractures, there is a concomitant fracture, which can easily be overlooked on the initial standard radiographs. The treatment options for proximal radius fractures in children range from non-surgical treatment, such as immobilization alone and closed reduction followed by immobilization, to more invasive options, including closed reduction with percutaneous pinning and open reduction with internal fixation. The choice of treatment depends on the degree of angulation and displacement of the fracture and the age of the patient; an angulation of less than 30 degrees and translation of less than 50% is generally accepted, whereas a higher degree of displacement is considered an indication for surgical intervention. Fractures with limited displacement and non-surgical treatment generally result in superior outcomes in terms of patient-reported outcome measures, range of motion and complications compared to severely displaced fractures requiring surgical intervention. With proper management, good to excellent results are achieved in most cases, and long-term sequelae are rare. However, severe complications do occur, including radio-ulnar synostosis, osteonecrosis, rotational impairment, and premature physeal closure with a malformation of the radial head as a result, especially after more invasive procedures. Adequate follow-up is therefore warranted.     

Comminuted radial head fractures treated with a modular metallic radial head arthroplasty. Study of outcomes

BACKGROUND: Comminuted fractures of the radial head are challenging to treat with open reduction and internal fixation. Radial head arthroplasty is an alternative treatment with results that compare favorably with those reported after open reduction and internal fixation of similar fractures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the two-year outcomes and the rate of recovery of a closely followed cohort of patients in whom an unreconstructible radial head fracture had been treated with a modular metallic prosthesis. METHODS: Twenty-six patients (seventeen female and nine male; mean age, fifty-four years) with an unreconstructible comminuted radial head fracture and associated elbow injuries were treated with a modular metallic radial head arthroplasty. Patients who had presented more than four weeks following the injury or had had the radial head arthroplasty as a second-stage or salvage procedure were excluded. Of the twenty-six patients, twenty-two had an associated elbow dislocation, and thirteen of them also had an associated fracture of the coronoid process. Patients were prospectively followed at three, six, twelve, and twenty-four months. Self-reported limb function, general health, range of motion, and isometric strength were assessed by an independent observer. RESULTS: Following treatment of the injury, significant decreases in self-reported and measured impairments were noted over time, with the majority of the recovery occurring by six months and little further recovery noted between six and twenty-four months. There were slight-to-moderate deficits in the range of motion and strength compared with the values on the contralateral, unaffected side. Patient satisfaction was high at three months and remained high at two years. All elbow joints remained stable, no implant required revision, and there was no evidence of overstuffing of the joint. Mild osteoarthritis was seen in five (19%) of the twenty-six patients. CONCLUSIONS: An arthroplasty with a modular metallic radial head is a safe and effective option for the treatment of unreconstructible radial head fractures associated with other elbow injuries. Recovery primarily occurs by six months, with minimal additional improvements over the next eighteen months.     

桡骨远端骨折合并同侧肘关节损伤的手术治疗体会

目的探讨桡骨远端骨折合并同侧肘关节周围骨折或脱位的治疗方法,提高临床治疗效果。 方法回顾性分析本院自2012年1月至2016年10月收治的桡骨远端骨折合并同侧肘关节脱位或骨折病例22例。22例桡骨远端骨折中13例伴尺骨茎突骨折,3例伴尺骨远端骨折,2例伴舟状骨骨折。22例肘关节周围损伤中5例为尺桡骨近端骨折,3例为肱骨远端骨折,14例发生肘关节后脱位。 结果所有患者均获得随访,术后平均随访时间为13.6个月（11~26个月）,所有骨折均愈合,未发生感染。Cooney腕关节评分平均为92.5分（55~100分）,其中优13例、良7例、中1例、差1例。Mayo肘关节功能评分平均为87.5分（50~100分）,其中优10例、良8例、中3例,差1例。其中1例就诊时已出现骨筋膜室综合征,尺神经、正中神经、桡神经均损伤,肌肉部分坏死切除,功能恢复较差。 结论桡骨远端骨折合并同侧肘关节损伤多为高能量损伤,早期积极而恰当的处理能为患者二次手术提供良好的条件,结合积极的康复锻炼,能取得良好的治疗效果。     

外固定器结合植骨治疗尺桡骨骨折内固定术后骨不连

目的:探讨单侧外固定器结合植骨治疗尺桡骨骨折内固定术后骨不连的方法及疗效。方法:应用单侧外固定器结合植骨治疗29例尺桡骨骨折钢板和三棱针内固定术后骨不连,其中男19例,女10例;年龄18-60岁,平均28岁。尺骨14例,其中近段4例,中段7例,远段3例;桡骨15例,其中近段4例,中段6例,远段5例。开放性骨折8例,闭合性骨折21例。粉碎性骨折14例,斜形骨折6例,横形骨折9例。结果:全部病例随访6-23个月,平均手术后16周(13-24周)骨折愈合。肘关节活动度均超过屈130°、伸0°,腕关节活动度均达掌屈60°、背伸50°以上;22例前臂旋转功能旋前、旋后均达80°以上,1例旋前40°,1例旋后50°,2例旋前、旋后均受限,总活动度仅80°。术后无尺、桡骨间骨性融合。结论:单侧外固定器结合植骨治疗前臂骨折内固定术后骨不连是一种操作简便,创伤小,固定牢固并发症少的有效方法,治疗期间可早期功能活动。     

人工桡骨头置换在肘关节恐怖三联征中的应用

 目的 观察人工桡骨头置换治疗肘关节恐怖三联征的近期疗效。方法 2011年6月至2012年6月采用人工桡骨头置换治疗肘关节恐怖三联征6例,男4例,女2例;年龄23~50岁,平均39岁。新鲜肘关节骨折脱位5例,陈旧性骨折1例。桡骨头骨折MasonⅡ型2例,MasonⅢ型4例。对肘关节恐怖三联征进行切开复位,尺骨冠突骨折固定（螺钉固定1例、不可吸收缝线固定4例）、人工桡骨头置换、外侧韧带复合体修复及环状韧带修复或重建（修复环状韧带1例、掌长肌腱重建环状韧带2例）。术后第5至7天逐步开始肘关节功能锻炼。术后复查肘关节正侧位X线片,术后3个月复查肘关节三维CT,并采用Myao肘关节功能评分（Myao elbow performance score,MEPS）评价肘关节功能。结果 6例均获得随访,随访时间10~24个月,平均16.8个月。术后3个月肘关节MEPS评分85~95分,平均91.7分;优5例,良1例。肘关节活动度（采用标准中立位0度法测量）：屈82°~95°,平均87°;伸15°~32°,平均21°;旋前82°~90°,平均86°;旋后45°~80°,平均56°。随访期间未出现肘关节不稳、脱位或半脱位、创伤性关节炎及感染。1例因桡骨头假体位置欠佳使肱骨与桡骨头假体间隙变窄而影响肘关节屈曲活动度。2例出现未影响肘关节功能的Hahi 1级异位骨化。结论 采用人工桡骨头置换治疗伴有桡骨头粉碎性骨折的肘关节恐怖三联征能恢复肘关节稳定性,减少肘关节僵硬、脱位及半脱位等并发症的发生。     

Posterior dislocation of the elbow with fractures of the radial head and coronoid

BACKGROUND: Posterior dislocation of the elbow with associated fractures of the radial head and the coronoid process of the ulna has been referred to as the "terrible triad of the elbow" because of the difficulties encountered in its management. However, there are few published reports on this injury. METHODS: Eleven patients with this pattern of injury were evaluated after a minimum of two years. The radial head fracture had been repaired in five patients, and the radial head had been resected in four. None of the coronoid fractures had been repaired, and the lateral collateral ligament had been repaired in only three patients. All eleven patients returned for clinical examination, functional evaluation, and radiographs. RESULTS: Seven elbows redislocated in a splint after manipulative reduction. Five, including all four treated with resection of the radial head, redislocated after operative treatment. At the time of final follow-up, three patients were considered to have a failure of the initial treatment. One of them had recurrent instability, which was treated with a total elbow arthroplasty after multiple unsuccessful operations; one had severe arthrosis and instability resembling neuropathic arthropathy; and one had an elbow flexion contracture and proximal radioulnar synostosis requiring reconstructive surgery. The remaining eight patients, who were evaluated at an average of seven years after injury, had an average of 92 degrees (range, 40 degrees to 130 degrees ) of ulnohumeral motion and 126 degrees (range, 40 degrees to 170 degrees ) of forearm rotation. The average Broberg and Morrey functional score was 76 points (range, 34 to 98 points), with two results rated as excellent, two rated as good, three rated as fair, and one rated as poor. Overall, the result of treatment was rated as unsatisfactory for seven of the eleven patients. All four patients with a satisfactory result had retained the radial head, and two had undergone repair of the lateral collateral ligament. Seven of the ten patients who had retained the native elbow had radiographic signs of advanced ulnohumeral arthrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Elbow fracture-dislocations that involve a fracture of the coronoid process in addition to a fracture of the radial head are very unstable and prone to numerous complications. Identification of the coronoid fracture is therefore important, and computed tomography should be used if there is uncertainty. With operative treatment, the surgeon should attempt to restore stability by providing radiocapitellar contact (preserving the radial head when possible and replacing it with a prosthesis otherwise), repairing the lateral collateral ligament, and perhaps performing internal fixation of the coronoid fracture.