Background: The aim of this study was to introduce a novel technique to improve the ease of fixing of even small fragments of the coronoid process and report the clinical outcomes of this method.
Methods: Forty-nine patients with ulnar coronoid process fractures fixed using the hooked Kirschner wire (K-wire) technique at our hospital from 2007 to 2019 were reviewed. Radiological features and fracture union were assessed using simple radiographs. Functional outcomes of the treated elbows were evaluated at the final follow-up visit using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS).
Results: All patients were examined at a mean follow-up of 17.7 months (range, 6-62 months). We observed bony union in patients at a mean of 10.9 weeks (range, 6-22 weeks). The mean flexion and extension ranges of the elbow were 132.0° (range, 106° -151°) and 4.5° (range, -20° to 30°), respectively. The mean pronation and supination ranges of the forearm were 81.1° (range, 60°-90°) and 88.3° (range, 60°-120°), respectively. The mean arc of the elbow was 127.4° (range, 78°-160°). All patients were evaluated using the MEPS at the final follow-up visit, with a mean score of 96.9 points (range, 80-100 points). One case of coronoid nonunion was observed and re-fixation was performed. One case of infection was observed and also treated with additional surgery. Three patients complained of ulnar nerve symptoms and 1 patient underwent surgical release for tardy ulnar nerve palsy.
Conclusions: Despite its limitations, the hooked K-wire technique was a useful method for even smaller coronoid process fractures. K-wires were also a useful temporary intraoperative fixation method and could provide permanent fixation.
Keywords: Elbow joint; Kirschner wires; Ulnar coronoid process.
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