Coronoid fractures account for 2 to 15% of the cases with elbow dislocations and usually occur as part of complex injuries. Comminuted fractures and non-unions necessitate coronoid fixation, reconstruction or replacement. The aim of this biomechanical study was to compare the axial stability achieved via an individualized 3D printed prosthesis with curved cemented intramedullary stem to both radial head grafted reconstruction and coronoid fixation with 2 screws. It was hypothesized that the prosthetic replacement will provide superior stability over the grafted reconstruction and screw fixation. Following CT scanning, 18 human cadaveric proximal ulnas were osteotomized at 40% of the coronoid height and randomized to 3 groups (n = 6). The specimens in Group 1 were treated with an individually designed 3D printed stainless steel coronoid prosthesis with curved cemented intramedullary stem, individually designed based on the contralateral coronoid scan. The ulnas in Group 2 were reconstructed with an ipsilateral radial head autograft fixed with two anteroposterior screws, whereas the osteotomized coronoids in Group 3 were fixed in situ with two anteroposterior screws. All specimens were biomechanically tested under ramped quasi-static axial loading to failure at a rate of 10 mm/min. Construct stiffness and failure load were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed at a level of significance set at 0.05. Prosthetic treatment (Group 1) resulted in significantly higher stiffness and failure load compared to both radial head autograft reconstruction (Group 2) and coronoid screw fixation, p ≤ 0.002. Stiffness and failure load did not reveal any significant differences between Group 2 and Group 3, p ≥ 0.846. In cases of coronoid deficiency, replacement of the coronoid process with an anatomically shaped individually designed 3D printed prosthesis with a curved cemented intramedullary stem seems to be an effective method to restore the buttress function of the coronoid under axial loading. This method provides superior stability over both radial head graft reconstruction and coronoid screw fixation, while achieving anatomical articular congruity. Therefore, better load distribution with less stress at the bone-implant interface can be anticipated. In the clinical practice, implementation of this prosthesis type could allow for early patient mobilization with better short- and long-term treatment outcomes and may be beneficial for patients with irreparable comminuted coronoid fractures, severe arthritic changes or non-unions

Introduction Complex fracture dislocation of the elbow can often be either irreducible or unstable with inability to hold the reduction or delayed subluxation or dislocation. This study looks at the aetiology of the instability, bony and ligamentous, and the results following stabilisation with a combination of internal fixation, ligament repair, radial head arthroplasty and or hinged external fixation. Methods Twenty-one consecutive unstable elbows referred to three tertiary centres were prospectively recruited for this study. All cases had fine-cut CT scans with sagittal, coronal and 3D reconstructions. All elbows were approached using a posterior ‘global’ incision. Ulnar neurolysis was routinely performed. Medial and lateral ligament complexes were inspected and repaired. Internal fixation of the radial head was attempted where indicated, or a radial head arthroplasty was performed. The coronoid-brachialis complex was repaired using pull-through sutures. Elbow stability was tested and a hinged external fixator used where indicated. The fixator was removed at six weeks. Indomethacin prophylaxis against heterotopic ossification was used routinely. Follow-up range of motion, articular congruity and DASH score were assessed at one year. All cases required a repair of the coronoid-brachialis complex. Radial head reconstruction was attempted in four cases, but abandoned in three. The radial head was replaced in 13 cases. A lateral repair alone was required in 12 cases, a medial repair alone in two cases and a combined medial and lateral repair in seven cases. Eighteen cases required a hinged device (nine Compass hinges and nine OpteROM distractors). Results The mean less of extension at one year was 12° (range 0 to 20) and the mean loss of flexion was 14° (range 0 to 20). All cases achieved at least a functional arc of motion from 30° to 130°. Three cases achieved a full range of motion. Despite Indomethacin prophylaxis three cases developed minor heterotopic ossification. The average DASH score was 23. Conclusions If managed appropriately, a very good anatomical and functional outcome can be achieved in difficult unstable elbows post fracture dislocation. Repair of the coronoid-brachialis complex is the key to stability, along with radial head reconstruction or replacement. A hinged external fixation device allows early mobilisation

Where reconstruction is deemed impossible, excision of the radial head has been the mainstay of treatment for shattered radial head and neck fractures. While some patients seem to do well after the procedure, some develop progressive instability and pain because of proximal translocation of the radius. We looked at a new procedure in which a metal radial head is inserted to provide greater stability after the excision. Historically silicone prostheses have been used, but these were found to fail dramatically after a time. We recruited 11 patients requiring radial head replacements. Their ages ranged from 26 to 54 years. In five patients the dominant arm was affected. The radial head was deemed non-reconstructable in all patients, and the alternative method of treatment would have been radial head excision. In one patient, radial head replacement was performed 14 years after previous radial head excision. A standardised procedure was performed, replacing the radial head with an Evolve modular radial head prosthesis. At follow-up, we assessed patient satisfaction, range of movement, overall stability of the prostheses, grip strength and return to full activity. The postoperative range of movement was assessed at three and six weeks, and the outcome in terms of mobility at six months. Supination ranged between 40( and 90( and pronation between 40( and 85(. Elbow extension ranged between -5( and -30 and flexion between 100( and 150(. We concede that the follow-up period has been short, but early results suggest that radial head replacement may be a good option in patients in whom radial head reconstruction is not possible

The June 2014 Trauma Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: BMP use increasing wound complication rates in trauma surgery; can we predict re-admission in trauma?; humeral bundle nailing; how best to treat high-angle femoral neck fractures?; hyperglycaemia and infection; simultaneous soft-tissue and bony repair in terrible triad injuries; metaphyseal malunion in the forearm leading to function restrictions; delayed fixation of the distal radius: not a bad option; and fasciotomies better with shoelaces

The August 2012 Shoulder & Elbow Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: platelet-rich fibrin matrix and the torn rotator cuff; ultrasound, trainees, and ducks out of water; the torn rotator cuff and conservative treatment; Bankart repair and subsequent degenerative change; proprioception after shoulder replacement; surgery for a terrible triad, with reasonable short-term results; and the WORC Index.