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.     

Dislocation of the elbow with fractures of the coronoid process and radial head

Introduction The aim of the study was to evaluate the factors relevant to prognosis after operative treatment of an elbow dislocation/fracture involving the coronoid process and the radial head. In 30–50% of cases, elbow dislocations are accompanied by concomitant bony injuries. Here, the ulnar coronoid process and the radial head are particularly crucial to the stability of the elbow joint. Materials and methods In a retrospective study, 27 out of 37 patients who were treated surgically in our clinic between 1990 and 1999 for elbow dislocation with involvement of the coronoid process and the radial head were examined after an average of 36 months. Results According to the criteria of the Morrey Score, 2 patients achieved an extremely good therapeutic result, 10 patients a good therapeutic result and 12 patients a moderate therapeutic result. A poor result was achieved in three cases. Conclusion Elbow dislocations with involvement of the ulnar coronoid process and the radial head are complex injuries and their surgical treatment and aftercare need to be handled by a skilled and experienced traumatologist. In this process, the precondition for regaining a stable joint with good function is, above all, early, exercise-stable fixation and/or reconstruction of the coronoid process and early functional mobilization of the joint.     

Fracture of the anteromedial facet of the coronoid process

BACKGROUND: Fracture of the anteromedial facet of the coronoid was recently recognized as a distinct type of coronoid fracture resulting from a varus posteromedial rotational injury force. Very few reports are available to help guide the management of these injuries. METHODS: Eighteen patients with a fracture of the anteromedial facet of the coronoid process were treated over a six-year period. Twelve patients were treated for the acute fracture, and six were managed after initial treatment elsewhere. All but three patients (two with concomitant fracture of the olecranon and one with a second fracture at the base of the coronoid) had avulsion of the origin of the lateral collateral ligament complex from the lateral epicondyle. The initial treatment was operative in fifteen patients and nonoperative in three. The coronoid fracture was secured with a plate applied to the medial surface of the coronoid in nine patients, a screw in one patient, and sutures in one patient. It was not repaired in the remaining seven patients. RESULTS: At the final evaluation, an average of twenty-six months after the injury, six patients had malalignment of the anteromedial facet of the coronoid with varus subluxation of the elbow, which was due to the fact that the fracture had not been specifically treated in four patients and to loss of fracture fixation in two patients. All six had development of arthrosis and a fair or poor result according to the system of Broberg and Morrey. The remaining twelve patients had good or excellent elbow function. CONCLUSIONS: Anteromedial fractures of the coronoid are associated with either subluxation or complete dislocation of the elbow in most patients. Secure fixation of the coronoid fracture usually restores good elbow function.     

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.     

Terrible triad of the elbow--role of the coronoid process: a case report

Posterior dislocation of the elbow joint with fracture of both the radial head and coronoid process, the so-called 'terrible triad', is a complex and difficult-to-treat injury. We report a case of a 34-year-old man with terrible triad of the elbow and associated injuries secondary to a fall. The patient was treated with radial head osteosynthesis, resection of the coronoid process fragments, and stabilisation of the ulnohumeral joint by Kirschner wire transfixation. The sequence of treatment steps is provided. The priority for treating multiple injuries should be established. The integrity of the coronoid process is essential for providing the elbow with maximum functionality.     

Treatment of fractures of the ulnar coronoid process

Objective: To discuss the classification, management and outcome of fractures of the ulnar coronoid process. Methods: Retrospective analysis was carried out in 31 patients (19 men and 12 women of average age 29.8 years [range, 18–52 years]) with fractures of the ulnar coronoid process. The fractures were classified into four major groups based on the extent of injury to the ulnar coronoid process, the state of the anterior bundle of the ulnar collateral ligaments (UCL) and elbow stability. A fracture of the coronoid process less than halfway up was defined as type I (eleven cases); of the middle of the coronoid process with injury of the UCL as type II (nine cases); of the base of coronoid process with dislocation of the elbow joint, sometimes with injury of the UCL, as type III (six cases); and severe comminuted fracture of the coronoid process with elbow instability as type IV (five cases). We chose treatment according to the type of injury. Results: Follow‐up was 18–72 months (average 28.6 months). All patients achieved fracture union without inflammation, neural injuries or elbow instability. One type III and two type IV patients had traumatic osteoarthritis, and two type III and two type IV developed heterotopic ossification. There was a statistically significant difference between the ranges of movement of the two‐side joints in type IV. Conclusion: We choose conservative treatment for type I fractures unless the bone fragment affected movement of the elbow joint, in which case we chose operative treatment so that elbow stability was not affected. Type II and type III fractures with elbow instability were reduced by internal fixation and the ligament repaired or reconstructed. In type IV cases, bone reconstruction was necessary to recover elbow stability. Proper post‐operative rehabilitation can decrease the occurrence of traumatic osteoarthritis.     

Fractures of the ulnar coronoid process

The ulnar coronoid process plays a central role in elbow stability due to its unique anatomic characteristics. A fracture of the coronoid, although uncommon, represents a serious injury that can adversely affect functional outcome if not treated appropriately. Several surgical interventions addressing different fracture patterns are being increasingly recognised as effective treatment options even for smaller fragments. A review of the literature was performed in order to evaluate different treatment strategies applied to clearly defined fracture configurations. 14 articles reporting data for the management of 236 coronoid fractures met our inclusion criteria and were subjected to critical analysis. The data suggest that recognition of specific coronoid fracture patterns, use of appropriate classification systems and application of staged surgical protocols can stabilise the elbow effectively and lead to favourable outcomes.     

Techniques to tame the terrible triad: Unstable fracture dislocations of the elbow

The “terrible triad” of the elbow (elbow dislocation with a radial head and coronoid fracture) is difficult to treatbecause of the conflicting aims of ensuring elbow stability while maintaining early motion of the joint. Information guiding treatment is sparse in the literature. We believe concentric articulation at the ulno-humeral and radio-capitellar joints need to be restored to achieve a stable reduction. We advocate preservation of the radial head through surgical repair or replacement. The lateral collateral ligament complex (LCL) is repaired through the same incision. We also aim to restore the anterior buttress of the elbow joint by repair of the coronoid process or the anterior capsule attachments. Further surgery to address other soft tissue damage to the elbow may also be required. Treatment needs to be titrated to each case to achieve a stable reduction. An acceptable result will be achieved if sufficient stability is obtained such that early motion can be instituted, and complications avoided.     

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.     

Fractures of the coronoid process

Proper treatment of coronoid fractures requires an understanding of the bony and soft tissue anatomy of the elbow and the various injury mechanisms that occur. Newer fracture classifications help direct treatment based on the size and location of the fracture, injury mechanism, and associated stability of the elbow.     

Fractures of the Coronoid Process of the Ulna: Which Ones to Fix and Which Ones to Leave Alone: A Review

Abstract The coronoid process of the ulna forms the anterior boundary of the trochlear notch and is crucial for elbow stability. Coronoid fractures are uncommon and they occur in aproximately 10% of elbow dislocations. They are mostly associated with ligamentous and capsular disruptions as well as concomitant fractures. Posterior elbow dislocations, combined with fractures of the coronoid and the radial head are known as the terrible-triad of the elbow. These injuries result in instability of the elbowjoint and, if not treated properly, lead to recurrent dislocations that can cause further damage. Depending on the pattern of the injury and the quality of the bone, the surgeon has to choose from a variety of treatment options. Large coronoid fragments and other associated fractures are ideally treated by ORIF (open reduction internal fixation); a prosthetic radial head replacement may be favorable if a comminuted radial head fracture is not reconstructable. Isolated small coronoid process fractures can be treated non-operatively with satisfactory results. Although rough guidelines can bemade, it is important to view each patient's elbow injury individually and then make a specific treatment plan. Data on treatment results are sparse. Improved understanding of coronoid fractures and their management will result in better outcomes and decrease possible complications including a certain degree of stiffness, neuropathy and arthrosis.     

修复前关节囊在"肘关节恐怖三联征"手术治疗中的疗效观察

目的探讨修复前关节囊在"肘关节恐怖三联征"手术治疗中的疗效。 方法自2015年5月至2017年12月苏州大学附属瑞华医院手外科采用手术修复前关节囊治疗8例肘关节恐怖三联征患者，根据影像学评价观察骨折愈合情况。采用Mayo肘关节功能评分评估肘关节功能情况。 结果所有患者均获得6~36个月随访，平均18个月。切口均Ⅰ期愈合。骨折均愈合，时间为8~12周，平均10周。根据术后6个月随访，肘关节屈位0°~15°，伸位130°~145°，平均活动范围为115°，旋前60°~90°，旋后40°~70°，平均旋转范围120°。术后无骨折块移位、内固定失效、锁定接骨板螺钉松动或断裂、切口感染、异位骨化等并发症发生。肘关节功能恢复良好，采用Mayo肘关节功能评分：优6例，良2例。 结论在肘关节恐怖三联征时修复前关节囊，恢复肘关节的稳定性，并发症少，骨折愈合快，及早配合正规的康复锻炼，肘关节功能恢复好，疗效确切。     

前后路联合固定治疗尺骨冠状突O'Driscoll Ⅲ B型骨折

目的观察前后路联合固定治疗尺骨冠状突O'DriscollⅢB型骨折的临床疗效。方法对38例尺骨冠状突O'DriscollⅢB型骨折患者采用前后路联合固定方式治疗,末次随访时采用Mayo肘关节功能评分系统(MEPS)评定肘关节功能。结果 35例患者获得随访,时间10~24个月,3例失访。35例骨折均获得骨性愈合,时间8~18周。根据MEPS评定疗效:优26例,良4例,可3例,差2例,优良率为85.7%。患者均无伤口深部感染,1例出现肘关节僵硬,1例出现异位骨化。结论应用前后路联合固定方式治疗O'DriscollⅢB型骨折,可以在直视下复位骨折,牢固固定,恢复肘关节解剖关系,有利于关节早期功能锻炼,效果良好。     

陈旧性肘关节恐怖三联征伴关节僵硬的手术治疗

目的观察陈旧性恐怖三联征伴关节僵硬患者的手术疗效。 方法回顾性分析2013年2月至2018年6月行手术治疗的7例陈旧性恐怖三联征伴关节僵硬患者临床资料及随访结果，其中男5例、女2例，平均年龄为（45.14±15.79）岁（18~61岁）。患者从受伤到手术翻修时间平均为（99.57±67.85）d（38~240 d）。伤肘右侧5例、左侧2例。损伤原因：摔伤4例，车祸伤2例，高处坠落伤1例。所有患者无神经损伤表现。桡骨头骨折Mason分型为：Ⅰ型1例，Ⅱ型3例，Ⅲ型2例，Ⅳ型1例；尺骨冠状突骨折分型为：Regan-morreyⅠ型4例，Ⅱ型2例，Ⅲ型1例；按O'Driscoll分型均为冠状突尖部骨折，第1亚型4例，第2亚型2例，第3亚型1例。肘关节处于半脱位状态5例，完全脱位状态2例。切口为内、外侧联合切口或后正中切口联合外侧切口，行关节松解、冠突及桡骨头重建、韧带修复。术后进行规范功能训练，进行早期主动功能锻炼。 结果所有患者术后均获得随访，随访平均（13.28±4.34）个月，10~23个月。所有患者切口均一期愈合。采用Mayo肘关节功能评分系统（Mayo elbow performance score，MEPS）、Broberg-Morrey评分系统进行肘关节功能评价。术后骨折均愈合，所有患者均无骨折畸形愈合、空心钉退出、空心钉断裂等并发症。末次随访时，MEPS评分：术前为（42.86±11.13）分（35~55分），术后为（85.29±2.75）分（80~89分，P=0.000018）。Broberg-Morrey评分：术前为（33.43±12.79）分（11~48分），术后为（85.57±2.23）分（83~89分，P=0.00004）。视觉模拟评分：术前为（6.43±0.98）分（5~8分），术后为（1.00±0.00）分（0~1分，P=0.000006）。伸直角度：术前为42.14°±10.35°（30° ~60°），术后为18.57°±8.02°（10° ~30°，P=0.0581）。屈曲角度：术前为75.71°±35.99°（20° ~110°），术后为120.00°±8.16°（110° ~130°，P=0.0272）。旋前角度：术前为24.29°±41.58°（0° ~90°），术后为80.00°±5.77°（70° ~90°，P=0.0126）。旋后角度：术前为32.86°±43.09°（0° ~90°），术后为84.29°±15.12°（50° ~90°，P=0.0154）。 结论临床上需重视肘关节恐怖三联征的早期诊断，以防漏诊和延误治疗。对于陈旧性肘关节恐怖三联征伴关节僵硬患者行手术治疗，并注重早期功能锻炼，能使患者尽早尽快恢复肘关节功能。     

Pediatric complex divergent elbow dislocation

A divergent dislocation of the elbow is a very rare injury, and only a few cases have been described in the literature. It is characterized as a dorsal dislocation of the ulnohumeral joint combined with a lateral dislocation of the proximal radius. All three articulations of the elbow joint are involved. Like in our case, it can be accompanied by an avulsion fracture of the coronoid and a distal radius fracture. For correct understanding of the injury, proper radiographic studies are imperative. In contrast to some earlier reports that advise a conservative approach, we performed a very aggressive operative treatment. To ensure anatomic reconstruction of the elbow, surgical exposure of the various injuries was performed first. After gross reduction of the joint dislocation, definitive osteosynthesis of the distal radius fracture was performed. Subsequently, the coronoid process and lateral collateral ligament could be repaired anatomically, improving the stability of the elbow. An uneventful recovery with excellent elbow motion and stability was achieved.     

Fracture of the coronoid process of the ulna requiring reduction in extension

A case of avulsion fracture of the coronoid process of the proximal ulna is presented to highlight certain features--namely, the rarity of this fracture as an isolated injury and the achievement of reduction in full extension of the elbow, contrary to the accepted method of treatment.     

肘关节后脱位并尺骨冠状突骨折9例临床疗效分析

目的 探讨肘关节后脱位并尺骨冠状突骨折的治疗方法。方法 总结2000年3月～2003年5月9例肘关节后脱位合并尺骨冠状突骨折患者的治疗经验，根据骨折类型分别采用内外侧入路对8例患者进行手术治疗，术后配合早期功能锻炼。结果 所有患者随访8～24个月，根据HSS评分标准，优5例（55.6%)，良2例（22.2%)，一般2例（22.2%)，优良率77.8%，无严重肘关节并发症发生。结论 选择恰当的手术入路和早期功能锻炼是提高该类骨折效果的关键。     

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.     

Avulsion Fracture of the Sublime Tubercle: A Case Report

Abstract Fractures of the ulnar sublime tubercle are a rarely reported site of ulnar collateral ligament injury. Presented here is a case report of a displaced avulsion fracture of the sublime tubercle of the ulnar coronoid process in a 58-year-old lady. An open reduction and internal fixation of the fractured sublime tubercle, with two 3 mm cannulated screws, through the medial approach was carried out. Post-operative recovery was complicated by ulnar nerve paraesthesia, which resolved completely. Functional recovery was satisfactory with a return to her normal activities. Traumatic avulsion fracture of the sublime tubercle of the ulnar coronoid process is an underreported injury. Avulsion fracture of the sublime tubercle of the ulnar coronoid process is a rare cause for medial elbow pain and instability. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion in patients presenting with elbow pain after minimal trauma.     

Elbow dislocation with fracture of the coronoid process and comminuted fracture of the radius head

In fractures of the elbow with an associated fracture of the coronoid process, the size of the coronoid fragment determines the stability of the joint. A diminution of the arch of the incisura semilunaris by about 30 degrees causes instability of the elbow. We present an alternative way of treating the special case of a fracture of the coronoid process combined with comminuted fracture of the proximal end of the radius. A suitable fragment of the head of the radius is used to reconstruct the coronoid process. The stability achieved allows early functional postoperative treatment with a good range of movement at the elbow joint.