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Implantology of Olecranon and Coronoid Fractures

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Handbook of Orthopaedic Trauma Implantology

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Abstract

Olecranon fractures are common, with a bimodal distribution of high-energy injuries in the younger population and low energy in elderly osteoporotic patients. Due to a breach of the extension mechanism of the triceps, most of these injuries are treated surgically. Historically, K-wire fixation was the treatment of choice. These, however, were prone to metalwork issues, including loss of reduction and the wires backing out, needing a high rate of removal of metalwork. Several different implants were developed to combat this, with mixed results.

For more complex, comminuted fracture, K-wire fixation is often insufficient, and plates are used for a more anatomical reduction and stable fixation.

In elbow fracture-dislocations, the coronoid can also be involved, and anatomical, stable reduction is paramount for a functional result. Standard dorsal plates do not allow for the coronoid to be included, and specialized coronoid plates are needed to reconstruct the elbow.

This chapter explains the history of fixation of proximally ulna fractures, as well as the most commonly used implants for its treatment.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Shoulder & Elbow Unit, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals, Brighton, UK

    Margo Dirckx, Christopher Jukes & Joideep Phadnis

Authors
  1. Margo Dirckx
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  2. Christopher Jukes
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  3. Joideep Phadnis
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Correspondence to Margo Dirckx .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. NH Narayana Superspeciality and Multispeciality Hospitals, Howrah, West Bengal, India

    Arindam Banerjee

  2. Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany

    Peter Biberthaler

  3. Sri Lakshmi Narayana Institute of Medical Sciences, Puducherry, India

    Saseendar Shanmugasundaram

Section Editor information

  1. Dept. of Orthopaedics, Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals, Kolkata, West Bengal, India

    Ravi G. Bharadwaj

  2. Sri Dhaatri Orthopaedic, Maternity & Gynaecology Center, Vijayawada, India

    Srinivas B. S. Kambhampati

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Dirckx, M., Jukes, C., Phadnis, J. (2023). Implantology of Olecranon and Coronoid Fractures. In: Banerjee, A., Biberthaler, P., Shanmugasundaram, S. (eds) Handbook of Orthopaedic Trauma Implantology. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-7540-0_71

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