Coronoid fracture

The coronoid is a triangular prominence on the proximal volar surface of the ulna. Coronoid Fractures are typically associated with other fractures and dislocations around the elbow.  Elbow stability may be compromised secondary to these fractures if not addressed adequately.  Coronoid fractures typically occur during falls on an outstretched hand and it has been proposed that the trochlea imparts a shearing force at the time of injury.  The brachialis was thought to cause avulsions, however, authors feel that its attachment to the base of the coronoid discounts this mechanism of injury.

Types of coronoid fracture

• Type I: Avulsion of the tip of the coronoid process
• Type II: Fracture involving less than 50% of the coronoid
• Type III: Fracture involving more than 50% of the coronoid

Symptoms of coronoid fracture

• Elbow pain
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Inability to move the elbow
• Deformity that can be both seen and felt
• Numbness and coldness below the elbow.

Treatment of coronoid fracture

Type III coronoid fractures require

• Surgical resetting of the dislocation
•  Internal fixation. Fixation can be achieved utilizing anteroposterior or posteroanterior screw fixation. In addition, sutures can be utilized in the soft tissue to reapproximate the coronoid fragment.