BACKGROUND: All fractures of the coronoid process of the ulna can be involved in O'Driscoll classification. Treatments for fractures of the coronoid process of the ulna are basically consistent. However, the fixation methods are various leading to different clinical efficacies, and there are no uniform standards.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical efficacy of absorbable cartilage screw in the treatment of fractures of the coronoid process of the ulna.
METHODS: From January 2007 to January 2010, 24 patients with fractures of the coronoid process of the ulna were reviewed, including 18 males and six females with an average age of 30 years (range from 16 to 47 years). According to O’Driscoll criterion, four cases were classified as I, 14 cases were classified as II and six cases as III. Open reduction and absorbable cartilage screw fixation were carried out through an anterior approach at six cases, medial approach at 15 cases and lateral approach at three cases. The ruptured capsule and collateral ligament were repaired and reconstructed.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The mean follow-up period was 22.1 months (range from 18 to 30 months). All fractures healed in 6-10 weeks with an average time of 8.2 weeks. According to Morrey Elbow Performance Score, excellent was in 17 cases, good in four cases, fair in two cases and poor in one case. The complications included ectopic ossification in three cases, traumatic arthritis in two cases and elbow instability in two cases. Absorbable cartilage screw fixation is the excellent way to treat fractures of the coronoid process of the ulna with surgical indications, which can also avoid the complications through the second surgery.