Assessment of olecranon fractures treated through open reduction and internal fixation surgery using pre-contoured locking compression plates

Abstract

Background: Fractures of the olecranon process constitute approximately 10% of fractures around the adult elbow and range from simple nondisplaced fractures to complex fracture–dislocations of the elbow. [2] The highest incidence is seen usually in middle aged adults with men sustaining the injury at a younger age than women. Ground-level falls are responsible for most of these fractures. Associated injuries include ipsilateral proximal radius fractures in 17% and open injuries in 6.4% [3]. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Grant Medical Foundation-Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, India on 22 cases of closed olecranon fractures in patients between the age of 18-65 years who underwent surgical treatment through open reduction and internal fixation with pre-contoured olecranon locking compression plate between January 2014 - March 2019. These patients were followed for 12 months (minimum for 6 months) and evaluated based on union rate through xray radiograph, any complications (infections, mal/nonunion, implant impingement, elbow stiffness) and functionally by Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS).Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation with pre contoured olecranon LCP should be the treatment of choice in majority of the olecranon fractures as it restores the anatomy, biomechanics and contact loading characteristics of the elbow joint and is associated with least complication rates due to static nature of fixation.