Abstract
The coronoid process of the ulna is an important bony stabilizer of the elbow forming an anterior buttress with the radial head to avoid posterior subluxation or dislocation of the elbow (Fig. 38.1). Specific fracture types are associated with distinct patterns of traumatic elbow instability. Coronoid fractures are classified using the O’Driscoll classification based on fragment morphology: type 1 are tip fractures associated with terrible triad elbow fracture-dislocations, type 2 are anteromedial facet fractures associated with posteromedial varus rotational-type injuries (PMVRI), and type 3 are large basal fracture associated with olecranon fracture-dislocations.
They can be difficult to manage. Improved understanding of these patterns of elbow instability facilitates operative strategies by helping surgeons anticipate the pathoanatomy and plan treatment. These injuries are prone to adverse events and adverse outcomes including subluxation and redislocation, malunion, nonunion, arthrosis, stiffness, and heterotopic ossification.
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Acknowledgments
Statement of the Location Where Work Performed: The work was performed at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Flinders University, and Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia
Conflict of Interest Statement: JND received an unrestricted Postdoc Research Grant from the Marti-Keuning-Eckhardt Foundation. Each author certifies that he has no commercial associations (e.g., consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing arrangements, etc.) or financial remunerations that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article.
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Doornberg, J.N., Ring, D., Bain, G. (2020). Terrible Triad Elbow Fracture-Dislocation. In: Bain, G., Eygendaal, D., van Riet, R. (eds) Surgical Techniques for Trauma and Sports Related Injuries of the Elbow. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-58931-1_38
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-58931-1_38
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