Prosthetic replacement for coronoid deficiency: report of three cases.

BACKGROUND: Persistent elbow instability associated with coronoid deficiency is a difficult condition to treat. Several surgical techniques have been described for coronoid reconstruction, but the resulting outcomes have been unpredictable. We hypothesized that a coronoid prosthesis could restore elbow stability.

METHODS: A nonanatomically shaped metallic coronoid prosthesis was custom designed for each of 3 patients. Each had a chronic fracture-subluxation with persistent instability, deficiencies of the coronoid, and compromise of the radial head. Each patient had undergone 2 to 4 prior failed operations.

RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 11 years (range, 10-12), 2 of the 3 patients were completely pain free; the third had a visual analog scale pain score not greater than 3/10. All 3 maintained a stable joint, although a functional range of motion was not able to be maintained in any. Two patients rated themselves "improved" and 1 patient rated himself "almost normal" on the Summary Outcome Determination scale. All radiographic follow-up showed the coronoid prosthesis in proper position without loosening.

CONCLUSION: Prosthetic replacement of the coronoid appears successful in restoring stability in chronically unstable elbows with coronoid deficiency.