Arthroscopically assisted coronoid fracture fixation: a preliminary report.

Abstract

We investigated the feasibility of arthroscopically assisted reduction and fixation of small coronoid fractures and the anterior capsule for treatment of patients with Regan and Morrey Types I and II (O'Driscoll Types I and II) coronoid fractures with instability of the ulnohumeral joint. Four consecutive patients with this fracture type underwent arthroscopically assisted treatment and were evaluated at a minimum of 1 year (mean, 76 weeks; range, 58-92 weeks). All patients achieved a functional range of motion with an average flexion/extension arc of 2.5 degrees to 140 degrees and full pronation and supination. No patient had recurrent elbow instability. One patient had removal of a prominent suture over the subcutaneous border of the ulna. Arthroscopically assisted management of coronoid fractures can provide excellent observation, enabling anatomic repair without extensive soft tissue dissection. Preservation of the soft tissue attachments of small coronoid fragments and repair of the capsule are possible with this technique. Level IV, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.