Mini-locking-plate combined with tension band wiring for treatment of comminuted olecranon fracture

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical effect of the mini-locking-plate combined with tension band wiring for fixation of comminuted olecranon fracture. Methods A retrospective review was made on 37 patients with comminuted olecranon fracture fixed using the mini-locking-plate combined with tension band wiring from March 2010 to June 2014. There were 24 males and 13 females, at mean age of 41 years (range, 22-68 years). Fall injury occurred in 22 patients, high fall injury in 8 patients, traffic injury in 4 patients, stick injury in 2 patients and cutting injury in 1 patient. The fracture occurred on the left side in 16 patients and on the right side in 21 patients. Two patients had an open fracture. None suffered from neurovascular injury or elbow joint instability. The duration from injury to operation was 4 to 98 h (mean, 43 h). The elbow function was evaluated according to the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS). Results Thirty-five patients were followed up for 6 to 26 months (mean, 15 months). Good fracture reduction and flat articular surface were shown on the X-rays. Fracture union was observed in all patients. At the final follow-up, the MEPS ranged from 70 to 100 points (mean, 94 points). Thirty-one patients were rated excellent, 2 good and 2 fair, with the excellent-good rate of 94%. No incision infection or internal fixation failure occurred. Conclusion The procedure is a safe and effective method that allows early functional exercise. Key words: Ulna fractures; Fracture fixation, internal; Tension band wiring