Tension Band Wiring Olecranon Process Fracture Using Polyethylene Sutures and Percutaneous Pins

Abstract

A 14-year-old male presents with right elbow injury from a fall during soccer. Physical exam shows decreased range of motion, swelling, deformity and tenderness at the olecranon. X-rays reveal 18 mm displaced fracture of the olecranon process. Open reduction internal fixation of the elbow was performed using number 2 polyethylene suture and percutaneous k-wires. This avoids reoperation to remove hardware without compromising quality of reduction. This was first described in 2006 by Gortzak et al. and a similar technique is demonstrated here through audiovisual aid.