3D CT Reconstruction in Diagnostics of Coronoid Fractures of the Ulna Bone

Abstract

An X-ray examination is a basic and final technique in the diagnostics of most elbow region fractures. Coronoid fractures are complicated injuries and need to be carefully evaluated before deciding on the most appropriate course of treatment. In these fractures the identification and location of the broken fragments and their origin create significant difficulties. The main goal of this paper is an evaluation of the usefulness of spiral CT and 3D reconstruction techniques in the diagnostics of complicated fractures of that region. Following analysis of the line of fractures, the injuries were classified in two categories. 11 fractures of the coronoid were analyzed. 3D reconstruction is a very useful method which always helps to obtain the best outcome.

Key words

coronoid fractures - 3D CT - reconstruction

References

• 1 de Beaux A C, Beattie T, Gilbert F. Elbow fat pad sign: implications for clinical management.  J R Coll Surg Edinb. 1992;  37 205-206
• 2 Brodeur A, Silberstein M, Graviss R. Radiology of the pediatric elbow. G. K. Hall Med. Publ, Boston 1981
• 3 Doornberg J. et al . Coronoid fracture height in terrible-triad injuries.  J Hand Surg [Am]. 2006;  31 794
• 4 Grainger R. et al .Diagnostic Radiology. A Text Book of Medical Imaging. 4th edn, Vol. 3. Churchill Livingstone, London, Edinburgh, New York, Philadelphia, Sydney, Toronto 2001
• 5 Hanks G, Kottmaier S. Isolated fracture of the coronoid process of the ulna: a case report and review of the literature.  J Orthop Trauma. 1990;  4 1936
• 6 Hotchikiss R. Fractures and dislocation of the elbow. In: Rockwood O, Green D, Bucholz R, Heckman J (eds). Rockwood and Green's Fractures in Adults. 4th edn. Lippincott-Raven, Philadelphia 1996; 929
• 7 Josefsson R. et al . Dislocation of the elbow and intraarticular fractures.  Clin Orthop. 1989;  246 126
• 8 Kisson N, Galpin R, Gayle M, Chacon D, Brown T. Evaluation of the role of comparison radiographs views of the diagnosis of the traumatic elbow injuries.  J Pediatr Orthop. 1995;  15 449-453
• 9 Major N, Crawford S. Elbow effusions in trauma in adults and children. Is there an occult fracture?.  AJR. 2002;  178 413
• 10 Pitt N, Speer D. Imaging of the elbow with an emphasis on trauma.  Radiol Clin North Am. 1990;  28 293
• 11 Potter H. Imaging of posttraumatic and soft tissue dysfunction of the elbow.  Clin Orthop. 2000;  370 9
• 12 Regan W, Morrey B. Fractures of the coronoid process of the ulna.  J Bone Joint Surg [Am]. 1989;  71 1348
• 13 Ring D, Juoiter J. Fracture dislocation of the elbow with fractures of the radial head and coronoid.  J Bone Joint Surg [Am]. 1998;  80 566
• 14 Ring D. et al . Posterior dislocation of the elbow with fractures of the radial head and coronoid.  J Bone Joint Surg [Am]. 2002;  84 547
• 15 Sanchez-Sotelo J. et al . Medical oblique compression fracture of the coronoid process of the ulna.  J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2005;  14 60
• 16 Sanchez-Sotelo J. et al . Anteromedial fracture of the coronoid process of the ulna.  J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2006;  15 e 5-e 8