[Treatment of ulnar coronoid process fracture with mini-plate].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the treatment of ulnar coronoid process fracture with mini-plate and to evaluate the clinical results.

METHODS

Between September 2006 and March 2009, 14 patients with ulnar coronoid process fracture were treated with open reduction and internal fixation of mini-plate. There were 10 males and 4 females with an average age of 29 years (range, 14-51 years). Fracture was caused by falling from height in 4 cases and traffic accident in 10 cases. The locations were left side in 6 cases and right side in 8 cases. According to Regan-Morrey classification, there were 2 cases of type I, 6 of type II, and 6 of type III. The flexion-extension are of the elbow was (60 +/- 10)0 and the forearm rotation was (70 +/- 10) degrees. The disease duration was 30 minutes to 11 days, and CT scan was used for definite diagnosis. Patients received early functional exercise 1 week postoperatively.

RESULTS

All incisions healed by first intention. Fourteen cases were followed up 12-25 months (17 months on average). All fractures healed well, and the average union time was 10 weeks with a range of 7-12 weeks. No loosening or breakage of the internal fixation occurred except for 2 patients who had heterotopic ossification. The flexion-extension arc of the elbow was (110 +/- 10) degrees and the forearm rotation was (130 +/- 15) degrees, showing significant difference when compared with that before operation (P < 0.05). The clinical results were evaluated according to Morrey's scale, 8 cases were rated as excellent, 4 as good, and 2 as fair; the excellent and good rate was 85.7%.

CONCLUSION

Fixation of ulnar coronoid process fracture with mini-plate provides sufficient stability to do early functional exercise and it can enhance functional outcome.