Non surgically managed anteromedial coronoid fractures in posteromedial rotatory instability: three cases with 2 years follow-up

Varus posteromedial rotatory instability refers to one of the complex elbow fracture-dislocation caused by anteromedial coronoid fracture with disruption of lateral collateral ligament (LCL). Recent clinical and biomechanical studies have demonstrated that this unstable complex injury resulted in incongruence of joint, which could lead to early posttraumatic arthritis. With reports of poor result after conservative treatment, surgical treatment including anteromedial fixation and LCL repair has been strongly recommended to achieve stable joint. This case series describes three patients with anteromedial coronoid fracture who were managed conservatively with excellent outcomes. This report suggests that anteromedial coronoid fracture associated with posteromedial rotatory instability might be treated using conservative treatment in selective cases when anteromedial coronoid fracture is minimally displaced and there is no evidence of elbow subluxation.     

Anteromedial coronoid facet fractures

The anteromedial coronoid facet and the medial lip of trochlea represent one of the most important stabilizing columns of the elbow to prevent posterior dislocation of the elbow. But on average, 58 % of the anteromedial facet extends from the proximal ulnar without sufficient support by the proximal ulnar metaphysic. Some important soft tissue structures insert on the coronoid process. The fracture of anteromedial coronoid facet was recognized recently in clinic as a distinct type of the coronoid fracture. The special injury mechanism is varus posteromedial rotational injury force. This mechanism results in fracture of the anteromedial facet of the coronoid process most often associated with injury of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and either subluxation or complete dislocation of the elbow. But the anterior band of the medial collateral ligament is likely to be intact in the complex pattern injury. Standard radiographic evaluation of the fracture includes AP and lateral views of the elbow. Computed tomography, particularly 3D reconstruction, is particularly useful to diagnose the injury. But the LCL injury is easy to be missed, resulting in an earlier traumatic arthrosis. So, it is very important to increase recognition to the pattern injury. If the single distinct converse triangular fragment be found from the film, the surgeon should take care highly, and varus stress x-ray should be necessary to evaluate the LCL injury. Early experience suggests that the injuries should benefit from operative treatment. All injured structures should be repaired to restore the stability of the elbow. Intraoperative testing of the elbow stability is very important.     

A figure-eight suture loop with Kirschner wires for fixation of anteromedial coronoid process fractures: A case series

PurposeSufficient fixation of an anterior or anteromedial facet fracture of the coronoid process in fracture-dislocation of elbow is important to maintain joint stability. The purpose of this study was to report our experience with 11 patients who were managed with an original fixation technique using a “figure-eight” suture loop.MethodsFrom February 2010 to March 2011, 11 cases with a fracture of the anterior or anteromedial facet of the coronoid process were treated by coronoid fixation using a figure-eight suture loop. For cases with comminuted fractures, to prevent a suture from sliding into the fracture line, a 3- or 4-hole phalanx plate was enclosed in the suture loop to compress multiple fragments. Accompanying injuries, such as a radial head fracture or olecranon fracture, were fixed with repair of lateral collateral ligament injuries.ResultsOn final evaluations at an average of 18 months after injury, the mean elbow arc of motion was 125.5° and the mean forearm rotation arc of 124.1°. All fractures were united with an average postoperative score according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Index of 91 points. All patients achieved satisfactory scores (seven excellent, four good). All 11 fractures were united at final follow-up with no joint incongruity, dislocation, or subluxation of the injured elbow.ConclusionsThe figure-eight suture loop technique is an easy and effective technique to fix anterior or anteromedial facet fractures of the coronoid process.     

肘前内侧切口入路手术治疗尺骨冠状突前内侧面骨折

目的:探讨尺骨冠状突前内侧面骨折手术治疗入路和合并损伤的处理。方法:自2009年7月至2011年8月,共收治尺骨冠状突前内侧面骨折6例,男4例,女2例;年龄19～49岁,平均32.6岁;左侧3例,右侧3例;优势侧4例,非优势侧2例;均为闭合性骨折。根据O’Driscoll尺骨冠状突骨折分型均为冠状突前内侧面骨折2亚型或3亚型,均采用肘前内侧切口桡侧腕屈肌和掌长肌之间劈开指浅屈肌入路行微型接骨板固定,其中3例行冠状突固定后肘关节内翻应力位X线检查可见肱桡间隙增宽,表现出肘关节内翻后内侧旋转不稳定,桡侧副韧带未进行探查修复。术后石膏固定2周行肘关节功能锻炼,表现出内翻后内侧旋转不稳定者石膏固定4周。术后随访记录患者肘关节活动范围、疼痛和稳定情况,肘关节力量和手部握力,根据改良An和Morrey肘关节功能评分评价肘关节总体功能。结果:6例术后均获随访,时间7.5～13个月,平均9.3个月。患侧肘部和手部力量均同健侧,肘关节平均屈曲(129.0±6.5)°(120°～135°),平均伸直(4.0±4.2)°(0°～10°),前臂旋转活动度平均旋前(84.0±6.5)°(75°～90°),平均旋后(89.0±7.1)°(80°～100°),1例术后出现尺神经感觉症状并于半年后恢复,所有患者未出现肘关节疼痛、不稳定,改良An和Morrey肘关节功能评分均为优。结论:尺骨冠状突前内侧面骨折可采用桡侧腕屈肌和掌长肌间入路进行切开复位内固定治疗,伴肘关节内翻-后内侧旋转不稳定者可适度延长制动时间。     

冠突前内侧面骨折与外侧副韧带损伤的治疗

目的探讨冠突前内侧骨折后,外侧副韧带是否需要全部修复。 方法选自2012年7月至2016年7月天津医院共收治的19例冠突前内侧骨折患者,排除1例合并桡骨远端骨折患者,1例既往关节炎患者。术前行影像学检查,包括肘关节正侧位X线片、CT检查,以明确损伤类型。根据O’Driscoll分型2-1型4例,2-2型9例,2-3型4例。所有患者均采用肘关节内侧入路（尺侧腕屈肌入路）,固定冠突骨折后,给予内翻应力试验,如为阳性,修复外侧副韧带;如为阴性,不修复。采用Mayo肘关节功能评分（mayo elbow performance score,MEPS）、上肢功能障碍评分（disability of arm shoulder and hand,DASH）、视觉模拟评分法（visual analogue scale/score,VAS）对肘关节功能进行评价。 结果冠突骨折固定后,内翻试验阳性患者13例,给予外侧副韧带修补术,阴性患者4例,未给予外侧副韧带修补。所有患者均获得满意的肘关节评分,MEPS平均97.6分,DASH平均4.13分,VAS平均0.4分;关节炎Broberg-Morrey标准I度5例。 结论在冠突前内侧骨折的治疗中,冠突固定后的内翻试验对于判断肘关节稳定性至关重要,外侧副韧带修复与否取决于内翻应力试验。     

前内侧面尺骨冠状突骨折的手术治疗策略

目的:探讨手术治疗前内侧面尺骨冠状突骨折的手术入路选择、内固定方法及其疗效。方法:自2005年3月至2010年3月,采用手术内固定治疗前内侧面冠突骨折18例,男12例,女6例;年龄19～74岁,平均37.8岁。全部采用切开复位内固定治疗。取肘后正中切口,游离皮瓣后在外侧暴露肘关节外侧副韧带复合体及关节囊,采用不可吸收线缝合法或锚钉技术修复外侧副韧带复合体。根据术前三维重建图像上骨折情况及分型,分别选择3个不同的手术入路,暴露前内侧面冠状突骨折,采用微型钢板及螺钉固定。用MEPS(Mayo elbow performance score)和Broberg&Morrey评分对肘关节功能进行评价。结果:17例获得随访,时间1～6年,平均38个月;骨折均获临床愈合,愈合时间8～16周,平均11.6周。末次随访时,所有患者肘关节没有明显疼痛及不稳定。MEPS评分82～100分,平均(95.4±4.6)分;Broberg&Morrey评分75～100分,平均(92.3±5.8)分。结论:切开复位微型钢板内固定可使前内侧面冠状突骨折达到良好的解剖复位及坚强固定,是治疗前内侧面尺骨冠突骨折的有效方法。     

Coronoid fixation and lateral collateral ligament repair in varus posteromedial rotatory instability of the elbow

BackgroundVarus posteromedial rotatory instability is a relatively rare elbow injury, that has been infrequently reported in published literature. We intended to evaluate the outcomes of surgical management of this rare injury with anteromedial coronoid fixation, and, in selected patients, lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) repair.MethodsBetween 2017 and 2020, we identified 12 patients with anteromedial coronoid fractures, and a varus posteromedial rotatory instability, who underwent surgery for fixation of the coronoid fracture, with or without LCL repair. All the included patients were either O'Driscoll subtype 2-2, or subtype 2–3. All the 12 patients were followed up for a minimum of 24 months, and their functional outcomes assessed using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS).ResultsThe mean MEPS recorded in our study was 92.08, and the mean range of elbow flexion achieved was 124.2°. The mean flexion contracture in our patients was 5.83°. Three of our twelve patients (25%) suffered from elbow stiffness even at final follow-up. The results were graded as Excellent in eight, Good in three, and Fair in one patient.ConclusionCoronoid fractures and LUCL disruptions associated with varus posteromedial rotatory instability can be reliably managed by employing a protocol that combines radiographic parameters, as well as intra-operative assessments of stability. While surgical intervention successfully restored stability, there is a learning curve to the management of these injuries and complications are not uncommon, particularly elbow stiffness. Hence, in addition to surgical fixation, emphasis should also be placed on intensive post-operative rehabilitation to improve outcomes.     

尺骨冠状突前内侧面骨折伴肘关节外侧副韧带损伤的手术治疗

目的探讨尺骨冠状突前内侧面骨折伴肘关节外侧副韧带损伤的手术治疗方法及临床疗效。 方法回顾性分析2011年4月至2014年7月四川省骨科医院收治且获完整随访的9例尺骨冠状突前内侧面骨折伴肘关节外侧副韧带损伤患者临床资料。其中男6例,女3例;年龄20~62岁,平均41岁。致伤原因：跌伤3例,自行车伤1例,电动自行车伤3例,交通事故伤2例。均为新鲜闭合骨折;无神经、血管损伤。受伤至手术时间4~12 d,平均7.2 d。均为O'Driscoll分型2型,其中1亚型1例,2亚型5例,3亚型3例。其中肘关节外侧副韧带肱骨外髁止点撕脱骨折4例,其余5例术中证实肘关节外侧副韧带肱骨外髁止点撕脱。伴有尺骨鹰嘴骨折或为肘关节恐怖三联征患者未纳入本组。经肘关节前侧或内侧入路复位,以支撑钢板、缝合锚、螺钉固定冠状突骨折及修复前侧关节囊。经后外侧入路,以缝合锚修复外侧副韧带。 结果术后切口均Ⅰ期愈合,无血管神经损伤。随访时间12~48个月,平均25.6个月,X线片示骨折均愈合。随访期间无内固定物失效、肘关节不稳定、创伤后骨关节炎等并发症发生。末次随访时患肘关节活动范围：伸肘0~10°,平均1.1°;屈肘110~135°,平均128.9°;前臂旋前40~70°,平均61.1°;旋后80~90°,平均88.9°。Broberg和Morrey肘关节功能评分为82~100分,平均95分;优6例,良3例,优良率100%。疼痛视觉模拟评分为0~2分,平均0.7分。 结论重视和识别尺骨冠状突前内侧面骨折伴肘关节外侧副韧带损伤,对于存在肘关节内翻后内侧旋转不稳定者,根据冠状突骨折块的大小、部位及形态,经肘关节前侧或内侧入路复位,以支撑钢板、缝合锚及螺钉固定,修复前侧关节囊,经肘关节后外侧入路,以缝合锚修复外侧副韧带,术后早期活动锻炼,可获得满意疗效。     

Surgical treatment of persistent dislocation or subluxation of the ulnohumeral joint after fracture-dislocation of the elbow

PURPOSE: To review the results of surgical reconstruction of posttraumatic elbow instability in the setting of either intact or repaired olecranon process using a protocol incorporating hinged elbow fixation. METHODS: Thirteen consecutive patients with ulnohumeral instability after a fracture-dislocation of the elbow, adequate articular surfaces, and adequate, stable alignment of the olecranon were treated with temporary hinged external fixation, preservation, or reconstruction of both the coronoid process and radiocapitellar contact and with repair or reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligament complex. There were 9 men and 4 women with an average age of 45 years. Seven patients had a terrible triad pattern injury and 6 had a posterior Monteggia pattern injury. All 13 patients had fracture of the radial head and 10 patients had fracture of the coronoid process. RESULTS: At an average follow-up period of 57 months stability was restored in every patient. The average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire score was 15 and the average Mayo score was 84, with 6 excellent, 4 good, and 3 fair results. The average arc of ulnohumeral motion was 99 degrees. Six patients had radiographic signs of arthrosis including 5 of 6 patients with olecranon fracture-dislocations. CONCLUSIONS: A stable, functional elbow can be restored in most patients with persistent instability after fracture-dislocation of the elbow using a treatment protocol incorporating hinged external fixation.     

The anteromedial facet of the coronoid process of the ulna

Fracture of the anteromedial facet of the coronoid process has been recognized as an important type of coronoid fracture. We performed a quantitative analysis of 21 3-dimensional computed tomography scans to evaluate the degree to which the anteromedial facet protrudes as a distinct process separate from the proximal ulnar metaphysis. The distance between the center axis of the trochlear notch and the most medial edge of the anteromedial facet averaged 12.5 mm (range, 8.7-20.1 mm). The part of the maximum anteromedial facet width that was supported by the proximal ulnar metaphysis and diaphysis averaged 5.4 mm (range, 1.7-11.5 mm). On average, 58% of the anteromedial facet (range, 26%-82%) was unsupported by the proximal ulnar metaphysis and diaphysis. It is not surprising that this relatively vulnerable protrusion from the anteromedial facet of the coronoid is frequently a separate fracture fragment in complex traumatic elbow instability.     

Loss of alignment after surgical treatment of posterior Monteggia fractures: salvage with dorsal contoured plating

PURPOSE: To review the results of internal fixation with a dorsal contoured plate in patients with malalignment after internal fixation of a posterior Monteggia fracture. METHODS: Seventeen patients with malalignment after surgical treatment of a posterior Monteggia fracture were treated with realignment of the ulna and fixation with a contoured dorsal plate. Fifteen patients had loose fixation and 12 patients had subluxation or dislocation of the ulnohumeral joint. Sixteen patients had fracture of the radial head and 9 patients had fracture of the coronoid process. Nine patients had ancillary procedures on the radial head, 4 had ancillary procedures on the coronoid, 5 had hinged external fixation, and one had fascial arthroplasty. Seven patients had another surgery before the final evaluation related to a complication in 6 patients and a to subsequent injury in 1 patient. RESULTS: At the final evaluation at an average of 59 months the fracture was healed and the ulnohumeral joint was reduced concentrically in all 17 patients. The average arc of elbow flexion was 108 degrees and the average arc of forearm rotation was 134 degrees. The average American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Elbow Evaluation Score was 88. According to the system of Broberg and Morrey, the final result was rated excellent for 5 patients, good for 9, fair for 2, and poor for 1. One patient had fascial arthroplasty as part of the index procedure and 9 patients had radiographic signs of ulnohumeral arthrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Malalignment after surgical treatment of posterior Monteggia fractures often is associated with unstable fixation. Dorsal contoured plating of the ulna in combination with other procedures can help salvage a malaligned posterior Monteggia fracture with satisfactory function restored in the majority of patients.     

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.     

Elbow dislocation with intra-articular fracture: the results of operative treatment without repair of the medial collateral ligament

PURPOSE: To determine the effectiveness of a protocol for the treatment of fracture-dislocations of the elbow based on the concept that, if dislocation of the elbow with associated fractures can be made to resemble a simple elbow dislocation by repairing or reconstructing the fractured structures, repair of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) will not be necessary. METHODS: Over a 5-year period, a single surgeon operated on 34 patients with a posterior dislocation of the elbow associated with one or more intra-articular fractures. The mean age of these 19 men and 15 women was 48 years. Associated fractures included the capitellum, trochlea, and lateral epicondyle in 3 patients; the olecranon in 1 patient; and the radial head in 30 patients (with concomitant fracture of the coronoid process-the so-called "terrible triad" of the elbow-in 22 patients, and concomitant fracture of the coronoid and olecranon in 1 patient). Operative treatment consisted of open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) or prosthetic replacement of all fractures and reattachment of the origin of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) complex to the lateral epicondyle. The MCL was not repaired. RESULTS: Two patients (1 with a terrible triad injury and 1 with fracture of the capitellum and trochlea) had postoperative instability related to noncompliance, had reconstructive procedures, and were considered failures. An average of 32 months after injury, the remaining 32 patients regained an average of 120 degrees ulnohumeral motion and 142 degrees forearm rotation. Twenty-five of 34 patients (74%) had good or excellent results according to the system of Broberg and Morrey. Patients with terrible triad injuries had an average of 117 degrees ulnohumeral motion and 137 degrees forearm rotation, and 17 of 22 patients (77%) had good or excellent results. CONCLUSIONS: MCL repair is unnecessary in the treatment of dislocation of the elbow with associated intra-articular fractures, provided that the articular fractures and the LCL are repaired or reconstructed.     

Surgical management of medial and lateral elbow instability secondary to acute atypical complex elbow dislocation: Case report and literature review

Introduction and importanceElbow dislocation is common in adults, and complex elbow dislocations are generally associated with bone fractures. Anteromedial coronoid fracture, in association with lateral collateral ligament (LCL) disruption, often results from varus posteromedial forces. “Terrible triad” injuries are more likely to result from valgus posterolateral forces. However, our case presentation has combined medial and lateral elbow instability in addition to “terrible triad” injury of the elbow with no radial head injury.Case presentationThe patient was a 38-year-old man with an atypical complex elbow dislocation. He was successfully treated by stabilizing the medial epicondyle and coronoid anterolateral facet fractures, in addition to LCL repair and medial collateral ligament (MCL) reconstruction. A radial head fracture was unnoted. The procedure yielded satisfactory functional outcome, with a stable and painless full elbow range of motion.Clinical discussionMulti-ligament injuries with coronoid fractures result in highly unstable elbow joints, forming a variant of the “terrible triad” injury. Surgical options vary according to the surgeon’s experience and equipment availability. In this case, direct LCL repair and MCL reconstruction were performed and were well tolerated. Elbow stability improved and the patient experienced improved functionality with minimal pain. However, it may be premature to report a definite outcome in this case because of short follow-up time postoperatively.ConclusionThe injury described in this case has a unique presentation as a multi-ligamentous injury will make the elbow very unstable. Thus, careful clinical judgment, knowledge, and experience are needed to identify the underlying injury and for optimal management.     

Persistent posterolateral rotatory subluxation of the elbow in cubitus varus: a case report.

A 23-year-old woman who had an episode of elbow injury which was treated cast immobilisation in childhood with residual cubitus varus sustained a posterior fracture dislocation of the same elbow. She was treated with closed reduction. Six months later, however, her elbow became stiff, and a persistent posterolateral rotatory subluxation was noted. Operations were performed in two steps; first, the radial head, which was subluxed posteriorly, was reduced and the lateral collateral ligament complex was reconstructed, and second, the stiff elbow was mobilised. Two years after the first surgery, the function of the elbow was satisfactorily recovered.     

Transverse Coronoid Fracture: When Does It Have to Be Fixed?

Background

After elbow fracture-dislocation, surgeons confront numerous treatment options in pursuing a stable joint for early motion. The relative contributions of the radial head and coronoid, in combination, to elbow stability have not been defined fully.

Questions/purposes

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of an approximately 50% transverse coronoid fracture and fixation in the setting of an intact or resected radial head on coronal (varus/valgus) and axial (internal and external rotational) laxity in (1) gravity varus stress; and (2) gravity valgus stress models.

Methods

Kinematic data were collected on six fresh-frozen cadaveric upper extremities tested with passive motion throughout the flexion arc under varus and valgus gravity stress with lateral collateral ligaments reconstructed. Testing included coronoid fracture and osteosynthesis with and without a radial head.

Results

In the varus gravity stress model, fixation of the coronoid improved varus stability (fixed: 1.6° [95% confidence interval, 1.0–2.2], fractured: 5.6° [4.2–7.0], p < 0.001) and internal rotational stability (fixed: 1.8° [0.9–2.7], fractured: 5.4° [4.0–6.8], p < 0.001), but radial head fixation did not contribute to varus stability (intact head: 2.7° [1.3–4.1], resected head: 3.8° [2.3–5.3], p = 0.4) or rotational stability (intact: 2.7° [0.9–4.5], resected head: 3.9° [1.5–6.3], p = 0.4). With valgus stress, coronoid fixation improved valgus stability (fixed: 2.1° [1.0–3.1], fractured: 3.8° [1.8–5.8], p < 0.04) and external rotation stability (fixed: 0.8° [0.1–1.5], fractured: 2.1° [0.9–3.4], p < 0.04), but the radial head played a more important role in providing valgus stability (intact: 1.4° [0.8–2.0], resected head: 7.1° [3.5–10.7], p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Fixation of a 50% transverse coronoid fracture improves varus and internal rotatory laxity but is unlikely to meaningfully improve valgus or external rotation laxity. The radial head, on the other hand, is a stabilizer to resist valgus stress regardless of the status of the coronoid.

Clinical Relevance

Determination as to whether it is necessary to fix a coronoid fracture should be based on the stability of the elbow when tested with a varus load. The elbow may potentially be stable with fractures involving less than 50% of the coronoid. Under all circumstances, the radial head should be fixed or replaced to ensure valgus external rotatory stability.     

Tardy posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow due to cubitus varus

BACKGROUND: Cubitus varus has long been considered merely a cosmetic deformity. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a causal relationship between cubitus varus and instability of the elbow. METHODS: In twenty-four patients (twenty-five limbs) with a cubitus varus deformity following a pediatric distal humeral fracture or resulting from a congenital anomaly (three limbs of two patients), tardy posterolateral rotatory instability of the elbow developed approximately two to three decades after the deformity occurred. All patients presented with lateral elbow pain and recurrent instability. The average varus deformity was 15 degrees (range, 0 degrees to 35 degrees ). Surgery was performed in twenty-one patients (twenty-two limbs). Treatment consisted of reconstruction of the lateral collateral ligament and osteotomy in seven limbs, ligament reconstruction alone in ten, osteotomy alone in four, and total elbow arthroplasty in one. RESULTS: In three patients, the triceps muscle was dynamically stimulated intraoperatively to contract while resisting extension of the elbow. This produced posterolateral rotatory subluxation of the elbow, which was reversed by corrective osteotomy and lateral transposition of a portion of the medial head of the triceps that originally had been attached to the elongated, deformed medial aspect of the olecranon. At an average of three years (minimum, one year) after the operation, the result was good or excellent for nineteen of the twenty-two limbs that had undergone an operation; three limbs had persistent instability. CONCLUSIONS: With cubitus varus, the mechanical axis, the olecranon, and the triceps line of pull are all displaced medially. The repetitive external rotation torque on the ulna permitted by these deformities can stretch the lateral collateral ligament complex and lead to posterolateral rotatory instability. Thus, cubitus varus deformity secondary to supracondylar malunion or congenital deformity of the distal part of the humerus may not always be a benign condition and may have important long-term clinical implications. Operative correction can relieve symptoms of instability. The indications for preventive corrective osteotomy remain to be determined.     

Les fractures sus- et intercondyliennes de l’humerus chez l’enfant

Supra- and intercondylar elbow fractures are rare in children. The treatment of these fractures is controversial. The purpose of this report is to discuss diagnosis and treatment of this unusual injury. Our study looked at nine patients between six and 15 years old (average age: 11.5). In four patients, the fracture was T-condylar and in five patients, the fracture was epiphyseal–diaphyseal. Communition was noted in five cases. All fractures are secondary to high-energy trauma. All patients were treated by open reduction and internal fixation. Three patients had associated nervous lesions. Patients were reviewed at an average of 30 months follow-up and the results evaluated according to the criteria of Flynn. The results were good or excellent in six patients, fair in two patients and poor in one. Cubitus varus and limitation of elbow motion were the main complication. Supra- and intercondylar elbow fractures should be differentiated from the more common supracondylar humerus fractures. We recommended open reduction with internal fixation. Complications are due to the severity of the initial trauma and sometimes to defective treatment especially in the case of complex fracture.     

Neue Operationsverfahren am Ellenbogen

A large number of implants and operation techniques have improved the quality of care for injuries of the elbow over recent years. Low-profile implants of the olecranon seem to reduce soft tissue mechanical irritation. Furthermore, angle-stable coronoid plates have simplified the treatment of the anteromedial facet of the coronoid. Selected fractures of the radial head and coronoid can be treated arthroscopically assisted, whereby concomitant injuries can be detected and treated. New reduction techniques have simplified the treatment of complex intra-articular distal humeral fractures. Ruptures of the lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) after elbow dislocation can be stabilized by an additional internal bracing, which allows an early functional aftercare due to the increased primary stability.     

Standard surgical protocol to treat elbow dislocations with radial head and coronoid fractures

BACKGROUND: The results of elbow dislocations with associated radial head and coronoid fractures are often poor because of recurrent instability and stiffness from prolonged immobilization. We managed these injuries with a standard surgical protocol, postulating that early intervention, stable fixation, and repair would provide sufficient stability to allow motion at seven to ten days postoperatively and enhance functional outcome. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the results of this treatment performed, at two university-affiliated teaching hospitals, in thirty-six consecutive patients (thirty-six elbows) with an elbow dislocation and an associated fracture of both the radial head and the coronoid process. Our surgical protocol included fixation or replacement of the radial head, fixation of the coronoid fracture if possible, repair of associated capsular and lateral ligamentous injuries, and in selected cases repair of the medial collateral ligament and/or adjuvant hinged external fixation. Patients were evaluated both radiographically and with a clinical examination at the time of the latest follow-up. RESULTS: At a mean of thirty-four months postoperatively, the flexion-extension arc of the elbow averaged 112 degrees +/- 11 degrees and forearm rotation averaged 136 degrees +/- 16 degrees. The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 88 points (range, 45 to 100 points), which corresponded to fifteen excellent results, thirteen good results, seven fair results, and one poor result. Concentric stability was restored to thirty-four elbows. Eight patients had complications requiring a reoperation: two had a synostosis; one, recurrent instability; four, hardware removal and elbow release; and one, a wound infection. CONCLUSIONS: Use of our surgical protocol for elbow dislocations with associated radial head and coronoid fractures restored sufficient elbow stability to allow early motion postoperatively, enhancing the functional outcome. We recommend early operative repair with a standard protocol for these injuries.