Outcomes of embedded rafting k-wire technique for intermediate articular fragment fixation in comminuted olecranon fractures.

BACKGROUND: Severely comminuted olecranon fractures are challenging injuries. Commonly used tension band wiring exerts excessive compressive forces causing olecranon shortening and joint incongruity. This study aimed to introduce the embedded rafting k-wire technique with the bridging technique for intermediate articular fragment fixation in comminuted olecranon fractures and evaluate its clinical and radiological outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 34 patients with comminuted olecranon fractures were treated with rafting k-wire fixation combined with a locking plate. Time to union, the number of rafting k-wires in the intermediate articular fragment, quality of joint reduction, and secondary reduction loss were analyzed. Elbow range of motion, Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), and complications were evaluated at the final follow-up. RESULTS: Fracture union was obtained in all patients. The mean number of intermediate articular fragments was 2.4 ± 0.7, and the average number of rafting k-wires was 3.0 ± 1.2. There were mild and moderate degree early posttraumatic osteoarthritis in 6 cases (17.6%) at the mean 20.8 months of follow-up. At the final follow-up, the mean range of elbow motion was 4.6° of flexion contracture and 133.5° of further flexion. The average MEPS was 97.1 (range, 75-100). Two patients had heterotrophic ossification without functional impairment. CONCLUSION: The embedded rafting k-wire technique with bridging plates in comminuted olecranon fractures exhibited satisfactory outcomes. This method might serve as an alternative when considering the ability to restore articular congruency and stability in severely comminuted olecranon fragments. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic.

Surgical technique in tension band wiring method for selected comminuted olecranon fractures.

BACKGROUND: The use of tension band wiring (TBW) for comminuted olecranon fractures is less recommendable these days. However, some experts preferentially apply TBW to comminuted fractures resulting in favorable outcomes. We here present the surgical technique using TBW with eyelet and absorbable pins for selected comminuted olecranon fractures and review the clinical and radiographic outcomes. METHODS: Twenty-four surgically treated patients with Colton Group 2C or 2D olecranon fractures in focus on the intermediate fragment (IMF) were enrolled. IMFs were primarily fixed with buried bioabsorbable poly-L-lactic acid pins followed by definitive fixation of the olecranon process with TBW with eyelet. The adequacy of the reconstructed notch was especially estimated by parameters on radiographs using digital imaging software. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 30 months (10 to 86 months). All 24 fractures achieved union, and the maintenance of the articular curvature was confirmed according to statistical analysis on radiographs. The average elbow flexion was 135.1° (range 100° to 145°), and the average elbow extension was - 4.8° (range - 20° to 10°). The mean Mayo Elbow Performance score was 97.3 points (range 80 to 100 points). No cases of pin migration, infection, nerve problem, heterotrophic ossification, or secondary osteoarthritis were observed. CONCLUSIONS: For selected comminuted olecranon fractures, TBW with the eyelet pins and biodegradable pins could yield satisfactory clinical and radiographic outcomes.

A Retrospective Comparative Study of Internal Fixation with Contoured Plate Using Bicortical Screw Versus a Double Plate in Comminuted Olecranon Fractures / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical result of a contoured plate fixation using a bicortical screw and a double plate fixation in the surgical treatment of an adult's comminuted olecranon fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 22 patients were classified by Mayo classification as Type IIB (17) and Type IIIB (5). All patients enrolled in the study were treated between July 2002 and September 2009. Twelve patients were operated on using the contoured plate internal fixation using a bicortical screw procedure classified as group 'A'. The 10 patients operated on by a double plate fixation were classified as group 'B'. The Mayo elbow performance score was used to compare postoperative clinical results based on total points in 4 categories: pain, range of motion, articular stability, and articular function. RESULTS: The clinical results of using the Mayo elbow performance score of group 'A' were that 10 scored in the 'excellent' range and 2 scored in the 'good' range the following: in group 'B' were in the excellent range and 3 were in the good range. Both groups showed satisfactory results. Postoperative elbow exercises in group 'A' commenced 7.8 (5-14) days on average, postoperatively. For 'B' group, post-operative elbow exercises began 4.5 (3-7) days following the operation. With regard to the exercise and the range of elbow motion, group 'A' averaged 113.5 degrees and group 'B' averaged 112 degrees. After surgery, the average durations until the bone union were 3.8 (2.4-5.6) months for group 'A' and 4 (2.5-5) months for group 'B', respectively. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference in the clinical results between patients treated with the contoured plate internal fixation using a bicortical screw or the internal fixation using a double plate in the surgical treatment of adults with comminuted olecranon fracture or dislocation. Therefore, both types of operative approach are acceptable.