Complications of type I coronoid fractures in competitive athletes: report of two cases and review of the literature.
Coronoid fractures have been classified into three types. Elbow instability is a well-recognized complication of type III and less so in type II fractures. Type I fractures have generally been considered to heal uneventfully, with early range of motion. We present two cases of type I fractures in athletes that failed to improve with conservative management. One developed loose body formation and the other a fibrous nonunion with mechanical blockage of elbow flexion. Both patients responded to arthroscopic intervention and returned to full athletic activities. These cases illustrate potential complications with type I coronoid fractures in competitive athletes that should be recognized and treated early.
Liu
S H
SH
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, UCLA School of Medicine 90024-1795, USA.
Henry
M
M
Bowen
R
R
D000328:Adult; D001182:Arthroscopy; D001265:Athletic Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D001915:Braces; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000209:etiology*; D008297:Male; D016139:Martial Arts / Q000293:injuries*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D014458:Ulna Fractures / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D000092464:Elbow Injuries