Osteology of the coronoid process with clinical correlation to coronoid fractures in terrible triad injuries.

Background: Terrible triad complex elbow fracture-dislocations are represented by elbow dislocations associated with fractures of the coronoid and radial head. Published literature has focused on classifying coronoid fractures by their radiographic morphology on plain x-ray images and computed tomography imaging. No study has specifically related native coronoid osteology to in situ fracture morphology.

Elbow lateral collateral ligament injuries.

The lateral collateral ligament (LCL) of the elbow is a complex capsuloligamentous structure critical in stabilizing the ulnohumeral and radiocapitellar articulations. LCL injury can result in elbow instability, allowing the proximal radius and ulna to externally rotate away from the humerus as a supination stress is applied to the forearm. Elbow dislocation is the most common cause of LCL injury, followed by iatrogenic injury.

Anterior approach for operative fixation of coronoid fractures in complex elbow instability.

The coronoid process has been shown to play a critical role in ulnohumeral stability. Coronoid process fractures can occur in isolation or as part of a complex injury pattern. The most common complex pattern, known as the "terrible triad," includes a radial head fracture and elbow dislocation along with the coronoid fracture.