[Biomechanical problems in elbow joint dislocations with coronoid and capitulum radii fractures (author's transl)]

Dorsal dislocation occurs in 80% of all fracture dislocations of the elbow joint. In 10-15% of these njuries the coronoid process and the radial head are involved. If this injury causes the defect of the radial head - which means the loss of the main supporting part of the joint, - it is only the coronoid process which gives stability to the elbow joint. Therefore, in cases of coronoid fracture it is of utmost importance to reconstruct the coronoid process, if the fracture involves more than 1/6 of the incisura olecrani. Advisable for fixation is the use of a lag screw. In some cases the reconstruction with autogenous bone graft or osteotomy of the olecranon is indicated.