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Fracture of the coronary process of the ulna: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
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Fracture of the coronoid process of the ulna is rare. The cause of occurrence, as a rule, is an indirect mechanism of injury - a fall on an extended arm or a sharp contraction of the shoulder muscle, which causes a fragment of the coronoid process to break off.
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Symptoms of a fracture of the coronoid process of the ulna
Inspection and physical examination
The patient is concerned about pain and limited flexion in the elbow joint, which is moderately enlarged due to swelling and hemorrhage. Palpation of the anterior surface of the humero-ulnar joint reveals pain. Active and passive movements in the elbow joint are limited, especially in the direction of flexion. Forearm rotation is painless.
Diagnosis of a fracture of the coronoid process of the ulna
Radiography plays a very important role in the diagnosis of coronoid process fractures.
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Treatment of fracture of the coronoid process of the ulna
Conservative treatment of fracture of the coronoid process of the ulna
If there is no displacement or it is minimal, the patient is given a plaster cast, no different from that used for an olecranon fracture, for 2-3 weeks. A course of rehabilitation treatment is prescribed. Joint massage and early forced movements should be avoided.
Surgical treatment of fracture of the coronoid process of the ulna
In case of significant fragment displacement (which happens rarely) or elbow joint blockades, patients are sent to the hospital for surgical treatment. Large fragments are sutured to the maternal bed with chromic catgut, nylon or lavsan. Small fragments that block movements in the elbow joint are removed. Then immobilization with a permanent plaster splint for 2-3 weeks is indicated, after which a removable one is used for 2-3 weeks.
Approximate period of incapacity
After conservative treatment, work capacity is restored in 4-6 weeks. After surgical treatment, work is permitted in 6-8 weeks.
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