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

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

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.

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%.

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