Coronoid Fractures

Abstract

Fractures of the coronoid process of the ulna are usually part of a more complex injury. The type of coronoid fracture corresponds with a specific pattern of injury with known pitfalls and recommended treatments. Tip fractures usually correspond with dislocation of the elbow and fracture of the radial head (the so-called terrible triad of the elbow because it is prone to redislocation, subluxation, and arthrosis) and are best repaired with a suture passed through drill holes along with repair or replacement of the fractured radial head and reattachment of the lateral collateral ligament to the lateral epicondyle. Anteromedial fractures are usually part of a subluxation injury and are best addressed with a medial buttress plate and reattachment of the lateral collateral ligament. Large basilar coronoid fractures are usually part of an olecranon fracture-dislocation and are usually repaired with 1 or 2 plates and screws. Tenuous fixation is protected with temporary external fixation or cross-pinning of the joint because healing of the coronoid with concentric elbow alignment is critical.

Level of evidence: Therapeutic Level V. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.