Arthroscopic-assisted treatment of coronoid fractures.

PURPOSE

Little information exists regarding arthroscopic treatment of coronoid fractures; this study reports outcomes in a series of patients.

METHODS

Forty-one coronoid fractures were identified by retrospective chart review; 7 were treated arthroscopically; 6 with >12 months of available follow-up. Regan-Morrey fracture types were II (n = 4) and III (n = 3). The age of the patients averaged 37 years; the mechanism of injury was a fall in 6 patients and a motocross accident in 1 patient. Fracture fixation included: plate-and-screws following arthroscopic reduction (1); screws (2) and threaded Steinmann pins (2); 2 fractures were debrided. Three patients had immediate (2) or delayed (1) lateral ulnar collateral ligament repair.

RESULTS

Follow-up averaged 31.8 months. The range of motion averaged 9 degrees to 133 degrees in flexion-extension and 87 degrees/79 degrees in prono-supination. Mayo Elbow Performance scores were 100 in 5 of 6 patients and unavailable in 1 patient. Complications included asymptomatic heterotopic ossification (1) and delayed ulnar neuropathy (1).

CONCLUSIONS

In our series of coronoid fractures treated with arthroscopic means, all patients had a functional, pain-free result. All patients returned to preoperative avocations and occupations.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic case series.