Fractures of the coronoid process

INTRODUCTION: A retrospective study has been made of a series of 22 cases, and the classification and treatment of fractures of the coronoid process of the ulna have been discussed. MATERIAL, METHODS AND RESULTS: A report has been made of 22 cases of coronoid process fracture (18 males and four females). The mean age was 26 years (range: 19-47 years). According to the Reagan and Morrey Classification, there were 11 type I (avulsion of the tip of the bone), seven type II (a fragment of less than 50% that was detatched from the coronoid process), and four type III cases (a fragment of more than 50% that was detatched from the coronoid process). Elbow dislocation was present in 16 cases, and a radial head fracture was associated in four cases. All type I fractures were treated by immobilization of the elbow in a plaster cast for ten to 15 days, with eight excellent and three good results. In type II fractures, open reduction, internal fixation with antero-posterior lag-screw and early post-operative movement in three patients gave better results than immobilization for three weeks, which was the procedure used in four cases (after transosseous reinsertion in one case). In type III fractures, good results were obtained following open reduction and internal fixation with antero-posterior lag-screw in three patients. The result was average in the fourth case, with immobilization for four weeks. CONCLUSION: The Reagan and Morrey classification is most useful for the classification of coronoid process fractures. If there is no comminution of the detatched fragment, open reduction and internal fixation with antero-posterior lag-screw is the treatment of choice in type I and II fractures. In type I fractures, immobilization for about two weeks gives good results.