Contoured LCDC plating of the proximal ulna

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Traumatology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Comminuted proximal ulna fractures, especially with radial head dislocation (Monteggia fractures), are complex injuries.
• These injuries significantly impair elbow and forearm function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a specific surgical technique for complex proximal ulna fractures.
• To assess functional outcomes after treating proximal ulna fractures with a limited-contact titanium plate.

Main Methods:

• Thirty-seven patients with complex proximal ulna fractures underwent surgical treatment.
• A dorsally applied, limited-contact titanium plate was used, contoured to the olecranon and proximal ulna anatomy.
• The cohort included 24 Monteggia fracture/dislocations and 13 isolated proximal ulna fractures.

Main Results:

• An average follow-up of 24 months was conducted.
• Twenty-seven out of 37 patients (73%) achieved good or excellent functional results.
• The surgical approach demonstrated positive outcomes in complex proximal ulna fracture management.

Conclusions:

• Limited-contact titanium plating is an effective treatment for complex proximal ulna fractures.
• This surgical method can restore function in patients with Monteggia injuries and isolated proximal ulna fractures.
• The anatomical contouring of the plate contributes to successful outcomes.