# Surgical outcomes of coronal shear fractures of the capitellum and trochlea: a retrospective study of Dubberley classification-guided treatment

## TL;DR

This study evaluates surgical outcomes for coronal shear fractures of the elbow using the Dubberley classification, finding favorable results and low complications.

## Contribution

The study provides empirical evidence supporting the use of the Dubberley classification for guiding surgical treatment of CSFCT.

## Key findings

- Patients had a mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score of 87.9 with most achieving excellent or good outcomes.
- Type 2 and A fractures had significantly better scores than type 3 and B fractures.
- Postoperative complications were low, including stiffness, implant prominence, and one case of avascular necrosis.

## Abstract

To investigate the surgical outcomes of coronal shear fractures of the capitellum and trochlea (CSFCT) guided by the Dubberley classification.

A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with CSFCT between January 2015 and December 2023. Demographic information, surgical details, functional recovery outcomes, and postoperative complications were recorded and compared across fracture subgroup.

39 patients were included (mean age: 44.3 ± 15.5 years) with a mean follow-up of 38.2 ± 12.0 months. All patients underwent surgery via an extended lateral approach using various hardware. Postoperatively, the mean extension deficit was - 0.9°, mean flexion was 126.4°, and mean flexion-extension arc was 125.4°. The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Scores (MEPS) was 87.9 (66.7 % excellent, 30.8 % good, 2.5 % fair). Dubberley type 2 and A fractures had higher MEPS than type 3 and B, respectively (both p<0.01). Postoperative complications included two elbow stiffness, two implant prominence, and one avascular necrosis case.

Under the guidance of the Dubberley classification, surgical treatment for patients with CSFCT has achieved greater efficacy, favorable outcomes, and low complication rates.