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Objectives and questions: To explore the effectivenesss of simple lateral extensor digitorum communis (EDC) split approach combined with loop-plate fixation in the treatment of ulnar coronoid fracture in terrible triad of elbow (TTE).

Material and methods: 60 patient between January 2019 and May 2023were retrospectively analyzed. There were 48 males and 12 females, aged from 18 to 60 years (mean, 37.4 years). All the patients were closed fractures. All patients had no vascular and nerve injury. All the 60 patients were treated with simple lateral EDC split approach combined with loop-plate to fix the ulnar coronoid fracture; 20 patients of radial head fracture were fixed with hollow screw, 32 patients with mini-plate fixation, 8 patients with radial head prosthesis replacement; 16 patients with suture and 44 patients with suture anchor to reconstruct lateral collateral ligament complex; 10 patients with residual instability of elbow joint were fixed with hinge external fixator, and others were fixed with adjustable tension brace after operation. Postoperative imaging examination was performed to evaluate fracture healing and complications, Mayo elbow function score system (MEPS) was used to evaluate elbow joint function at last follow-up.

Results: All patients were followed up 16–24 months (mean, 20.2 months). All incisions healed by first intention after operation, and no complications such as vascular nerve injury, elbow joint instability, internal fixation failure, and infection occurred; the fracture healing time was 9–17 weeks (mean, 11.7 weeks). Four cases developed elbow stiffness after operation, and all underwent elbow joint lysis with internal fixator removal within 12–15 months after operation; 10 cases developed heterotopic ossification without special treatment. At last follow-up, the ROM of elbow flexion ranged from 85° to 135° (mean, 116°), the ROM of elbow extension ranged from 0° to 20° (mean, 11°), the ROM of forearm pronation ranged from 55° to 75° (mean, 70°), and the ROM of forearm supination ranged from 60° to 90° (mean, 83°). The MEPS score ranged from 55 to 100 (mean, 86.1); the effectiveness were excellent in 40 patients, good in 10 patients, fair in 6 patients, and poor in 4 patients, with an excellent and good rate of 83.3%.

Discussion and conclusions: The simple lateral EDC split approach is fully exposed, and the loop-plate can fix the ulnar coronoid fractures firmly and stably, which can restore the stability of the elbow joint, and the effectiveness is satisfactory.