Displaced Olecranon Fractures Research Articles

Clinical outcomes of olecranon sled fixation in patients with Mayo type II olecranon fractures

BackgroundTension band wiring and plate fixation are common internal fixation methods used for olecranon fractures, but complications and reoperations are common. The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical outcomes of displaced olecranon fractures treated with olecranon sled internal fixation. MethodsThe data of 39 patients with olecranon fractures treated with olecranon sled in the Department of Traumatology of Beijing Jishuitan Hospital between May 2018 and April 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 17 males and 22 females; the mean age was 44.0 ± 15.8 (range, 18–68 years). Preoperative olecranon fractures were classified according to the Mayo classification: 24 cases were type IIA and 15 cases were type IIB. Elbow range of motion (extension and flexion) and forearm rotation (protonation and supination) were observed at the last follow-up. The Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS), Disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were used to evaluate elbow function and pain, and complications were also recorded. ResultsThirty-nine patients were followed up for 33.6 ± 8.3 months (range, 25–51 months) after the operation. At the last follow-up, the mean flexion-extension arc was 137° ± 15° (range, 60°–160°), and the mean pronation-supination arc was 178° ± 4° (range, 160°–180°). The mean MEPS was 94.9 ± 9.9 (range, 50.0–100.0). The mean DASH score was 5.4 ± 4.3 (range, 0–18.3). The mean VAS score was 0.4 ± 0.8 (range, 0–3). Seven patients developed olecranon skin irritation, and 3 of them had the internal fixation device removed. Two patients developed heterotopic ossification, of whom 1 patient suffered elbow stiffness. ConclusionOlecranon sled internal fixation has good clinical outcomes in the treatment of Mayo type II olecranon fractures with a low rate of reoperations.

Surgical Treatment for Simple Isolated and Displaced Olecranon Fractures: Comparison between Plate and Tension Band Wire Fixation.

Background: Olecranon fractures are common injuries of the upper limb in adults. Simple displaced trasverse fractures are generally surgically treated with tension-band wiring (TBW) or plate fixation (PF). The purpose of this retrospective study is to compare the clinical-functional outcome, complications and reoperation rates between TBW and PF for Mayo IIA fractures. Methods: 72 patients treated with PF or TBW at our institution, completed our survey and clinical evaluation and their demographic and clinical data were recorded and analysed. The clinical-functional outcomes were evaluated assessing ROMs and three validated scoring systems: the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and the Patient American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Elbow Assessment score (pASES-e). Results: 38 patients (53%) underwent TBW and 34 (47%) PF. The mean DASH, MEPS and pASES-e scores were respectively 14.5 ± 17.2, 80.5 ± 14.7 and 83.6 ± 12.4 in the TBW group and 21 ± 21.7, 75.6 ± 15.3 and 75.1 ± 19.2 in the PF group (p = 0.16, p = 0.17 and p = 0.03). The mean duration of surgery and hospitalisation period were longer in the PF group (p = 0.002, p = 0.37) whereas the complication and reoperation rates were higher after TBW (p = 0.15, p = 0.24). Conclusions: According to the literature, both TBW and PF resulted comparable valid surgical options for the treatment of simple isolated displaced olecranon fractures. Our results corroborate previous findings, showing good/excellent outcomes without significant differences.

Shoulder & Elbow

The February 2024 Shoulder & Elbow Roundup360 looks at: Does indomethacin prevent heterotopic ossification following elbow fracture fixation?; Arthroscopic capsular shift in atraumatic shoulder joint instability; Ultrasound-guided lavage with corticosteroid injection versus sham; Combined surgical and exercise-based interventions following primary traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation: a systematic review and meta-analysis; Are vascularized fibula autografts a long-lasting reconstruction after intercalary resection of the humerus for primary bone tumours?; Anatomical versus reverse total shoulder arthroplasty with limited forward elevation; Tension band or plate fixation for simple displaced olecranon fractures?; Is long-term follow-up and monitoring in shoulder and elbow arthroplasty needed?

Midterm outcomes of suture anchor fixation for displaced olecranon fractures.

Displaced olecranon fractures constitute a challenging problem for elbow surgeons. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of suture anchor fixation for treating patients with displaced olecranon fractures. A retrospective review was performed for all consecutive patients with displaced olecranon fractures treated with suture anchor fixation with at least 2 years of clinical follow-up. Surgical repair was performed acutely in all cases with nonmetallic suture anchors in a double-row configuration utilizing suture augmentation via the triceps tendon. Osseous union and perioperative complications were uniformly assessed. Suture anchor fixation was performed on 17 patients with displaced olecranon fractures. Functional outcome scores were collected from 12 patients (70.6%). The mean age at the time of surgery was 65.6 years, and the mean follow-up was 5.6 years. Sixteen of 17 patients (94%) achieved osseous union in an acceptable position. No hardware-related complications or fixation failure occurred. Mean postoperative shortened disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (QuickDASH) score was 3.8±6.9, and mean Oxford Elbow Score was 47.5±1.0, with nine patients (75%) achieving a perfect score. Suture anchor fixation of displaced olecranon fractures resulted in excellent midterm functional outcomes. Additionally, this technique resulted in high rates of osseous union without any hardware-related complications or fixation failures. Level of evidence: IV.

Letter to the Editor: Is Tension Band Wire Fixation Superior to Plate Fixation for Simple Displaced Olecranon Fractures? A Randomized Trial With Median Follow-up of 7.5 Years.

Letter to the Editor: Is Tension Band Wire Fixation Superior to Plate Fixation for Simple Displaced Olecranon Fractures? A Randomized Trial With Median Follow-up of 7.5 Years.

Is Tension Band Wire Fixation Superior to Plate Fixation for Simple Displaced Olecranon Fractures? A Randomized Trial With Median Follow-up of 7.5 Years.

Surgeons disagree about the best surgical treatment for simple, displaced olecranon fractures. Although the tension band wiring technique and plate fixation are the most common surgical options for fixation, studies comparing both are limited. To date, there have been no randomized trials comparing patient-reported outcomes and complications at more than 5 years of follow-up. (1) Does tension band wiring or plate fixation result in better ROM and patient-reported outcome scores for simple displaced olecranon fractures? (2) What is the risk of complications associated with each technique? Between November 2012 and October 2017, 68 patients were treated for acute, displaced olecranon fracture in a hand and upper extremity surgery unit at a tertiary-care center. Patients 18 years or older with traumatic, nonpathologic, simple olecranon fractures who presented within 2 weeks of injury were considered potentially eligible. Based on that, 74% (50) of patients met the inclusion criteria; 16% (11) of patients declined to participate in the study, and another 10% (seven) were excluded because they did not meet the prespecified inclusion criteria. Patients were randomized on a 1:1 basis to either tension band wiring or plate fixation and were evaluated at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after surgery. At the final follow-up interval, 16% (eight) were lost to follow-up: 4% (two) in the tension band wiring group and 12% (six) in the plate fixation group. The median follow-up time was 8 years (IQR 7 to 9 years). We evaluated complications at a minimum of 6 years after surgery. The primary outcome measure was the 1-year postoperative DASH score. Additional outcome measures included the patient-reported Oxford Elbow Score, ROM, and the proportion of patients in each group who reported hardware-related symptoms and had subsequent implant removal or postoperative infection. No differences were observed in the DASH score (tension band wiring 18 [range 3 to 65] versus plate fixation 24 [range 3 to 52], median difference -6 [95% CI -12.7 to 14.9]; p = 0.73), Oxford Elbow Score (tension band wiring 36 [range 10 to 48] versus plate fixation 39 [range 17 to 47], median difference -3; p = 0.53), or all ROM measurements (p > 0.05) between the groups at 1 year of follow-up. The odds of having surgery for symptomatic implant removal were lower for plate fixation than for tension band wiring (one of 19 versus eight of 23, OR 9.6 [95% CI 1.08 to 85.7]; p =0.02); the odds of infection, however, were higher in the plate group (three of 19 versus 0 of 23; p = 0.048). No differences were observed between the two techniques in terms of ROM or patient-reported outcomes. Surgeons should consider that although the risk of implant removal is higher in tension band wiring, patients older than 85 years undergoing plate fixation for simple olecranon fractures are at a greater risk of postoperative infection. Level I, therapeutic study.

The medial forearm fascia and lateral forearm fascia contribute to overhead elbow extension in displaced olecranon fractures: a biomechanical study.

In nonoperative management of displaced olecranon fractures, patients are able to maintain overhead extension despite a persistent nonunion. It has been hypothesized that this is feasible because of an intact lateral cubital retinaculum. The purpose of this biomechanical study was to determine the contribution of the medial and lateral cubital retinacula to overhead extension in the setting of a displaced olecranon fracture. Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric upper-extremity specimens were used in this study. The triceps muscle was loaded through a pulley system operated by an Instron 8874 Biaxial Servohydraulic Fatigue Testing System at a rate of 10 mm/second to simulate overhead elbow extension. Each specimen was tested in 4 states: (1) native state with an intact olecranon; (2) transverse olecranon fracture; (3) transection of 1 cubital retinaculum (medial or lateral); and (4) transection of both medial and lateral cubital retinacula. The primary outcome was the ability to perform overhead extension. The secondary outcome was the force needed to generate extension. Elbow extension was noted in each specimen for trials 1, 2, and 3. Only when both the lateral fascia and medial fascia were transected was elbow extension not achieved. There was no significant difference in the force required to generate extension in the first 3 trials (P=.99). There was no significant difference in the change in the maximum force required to achieve extension between the specimens with only the medial side transected and the specimens with only the lateral side transected (P=.07). In the setting of an olecranon fracture, this biomechanical study suggests that if either the lateral or medial cubital retinaculum remains in continuity with the distal ulna, active overhead extension can be maintained. This finding may explain the positive clinical outcomes of nonoperative management of displaced olecranon fractures in the elderly patient population. Determining the integrity of the fascial structures preoperatively may help select candidates for nonoperative treatment of displaced olecranon fractures.

Locked Tension Band Wiring for Mayo IIA Olecranon Fractures: Modified Surgical Technique and Retrospective Comparative Study of Clinical Outcomes and Cost-effectiveness with Locking Plate.

Background: Tension band wiring (TBW) has traditionally been used for simple olecranon fractures, but due to its many complications, locking plate (LP) is increasingly being employed. To reduce the complications, we developed a modified technique for olecranon fracture repair, locked TBW (LTBW). The study aimed to compare (1) the frequency of complications and re-operations between LP and LTBW techniques, (2) clinical outcomes and the cost efficacy. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated data of 336 patients who underwent surgical treatment for simple and displaced olecranon fractures (Mayo Type ⅡA) in the hospitals of a trauma research group. We excluded open fractures and polytrauma. We investigated complication and re-operation rates as primary outcomes. As secondary outcomes, Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) and the total cost, including surgery, outpatients and re-operation, were examined between the two groups. Results: We identified 34 patients in the LP group and 29 patients in the LTBW group. The mean follow-up period was 14.2 ± 3.9 months. The complication rate in the LTBW group was comparable to that in the LP group (10.3% vs. 17.6%; p = 0.49). Re-operation and removal rates were not significantly different between the groups (6.9% vs. 8.8%; p = 1.000 and 41.4% vs. 58.8%; p = 1.00, respectively). Mean MEPI at 3 months was significantly lower in the LTBW group (69.7 vs. 82.6; p < 0.01), but mean MEPI at 6 and 12 months were not significantly different (90.6 vs. 85.2; p = 0.06, 93.9 vs. 95.2; p = 0.51, respectively). The mean cost/patient of the total cost in the LTBW group were significantly lower than those in the LP group ($5,249 vs. $6,138; p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study showed that LTBW achieved clinical outcomes equivalent to those of LP and was significantly more cost effective than LP in the retrospective cohort. Level of Evidence: Level III (Therapeutic).

Olecranon fracture fixation with tension band construct after total elbow arthroplasty

PurposeOlecranon fractures are a known and potentially devastating complication of total elbow arthroplasty (TEA), especially if displaced with an incompetent extensor mechanism. The purpose of this study is to present a case series of olecranon fractures after TEA treated with a tension band construct and compare functional results to uncomplicated TEA patients. MethodsSix patients with displaced olecranon fractures in the setting of a prior TEA were identified and included in this retrospective case series. All patients were treated with a tension band construct. Functional scores were collected at a minimum of 1 year postoperatively, including the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and Single Assessment Numeric Evaluation (SANE) elbow score. Radiographs were reviewed at the time of injury and at the latest follow-up for fracture displacement, implant loosening or failure, and osseous union. A matched control group of 10 TEAs without complication was identified for comparison of functional scores. ResultsOne patient was deceased prior to the final follow-up and was not included in the functional score analysis. The average postoperative MEPS was 74 ± 18.5 and the average postoperative SANE score was 69.4 ± 13.7. Average final range of motion was 134 degrees flexion and 18 degrees extension. Three (50%) patients had radiographic signs of osseous union at an average of 3.4 months. One patient had fixation failure and subsequent triceps insufficiency and required multiple reoperations with poor functional scores at the final follow-up. No significant difference was noted in both postoperative MEPS (P = .503) and SANE (P = .142) when comparing patients with olecranon fracture to matched uncomplicated TEA patients. ConclusionTension band fixation of olecranon fractures after prior TEA is able to restore function for a difficult problem despite a 50% radiographic union rate. Patients with this complication can expect similar functional results to uncomplicated TEA patients with proper fixation.

Olecranon Fractures: A Critical Analysis Review.

Olecranon fractures account for 10% of all elbow fractures and are more likely to result from a low-energy injury. A displaced fracture with a stable ulnohumeral joint (Mayo type 2) is the most common type of injury. The management of an isolated olecranon fracture is based on patient factors (age, functional demand, and if medically fit to undergo surgery) and fracture characteristics including displacement, fragmentation, and elbow stability. Nonoperative management can be successfully used in undisplaced fractures (Mayo type 1) and in displaced fractures (Mayo type 2) in frail patients with lower functional demands. Patients with displaced olecranon fractures with a stable ulnohumeral joint without significant articular surface fragmentation (Mayo type 2A) can be managed with tension band wiring, plate osteosynthesis (PO), intramedullary fixation, or suture repair. PO is advocated for multifragmentary fractures and fractures that are associated with ulnohumeral instability. It is essential to consider the variable anatomy of the proximal ulna during surgery.

Treatment of olecranon fractures in childhood: A systematic review.

Literature over the last 20 years provides evidence for a surgical treatment of displaced olecranon fractures in children, this is usually obtained with commonly proposed methods, although there is no general agreement about the best recommended technique. Identifying the best surgical technique in displaced olecranon fractures in children and the role of associated fractures in the prognosis of these lesions, by analyzing the most relevant studies on this topic. A literature search was performed in MEDLINE database and Scopus database. Articles reporting clinical outcomes of pediatric patients affected by olecranon fractures treated surgically were identified. The initial search produced 111 studies, with 8 fulfilling the eligibility criteria of our study. Selected articles (2002-2022) included 122 patients overall. Displaced olecranon fractures, occurring during skeletal growth and surgically treated, generally have good results, although we are unable to recommend the best surgical treatment based on our review. In most cases, they are intra-articular fractures; thus, the overall goal is to get an anatomic reduction that in some cases cannot be obtained by percutaneous techniques. Tension band suture is the preferred device, although it is not recommended in adolescence for the high risk of fixation failure. Associated lesions may affect results.

Complications in Olecranon Fracture Surgery: A Comparison of Tension Band Vs. Plate Osteosynthesis.

The purpose of this study is to compare the incidence of complications associated with tension band wiring (TBW) versus plate osteosynthesis (POS) in the treatment of olecranon fractures. We performed a retrospective cohort study of operatively treated adult olecranon fractures from an integrated healthcare system by multiple surgeons from January 2008 to December 2011. Patients were divided into two cohorts: fractures fixed using the tension band technique and fractures fixed using plate osteosynthesis. The study was limited to the Orthopedic Trauma Association classification of olecranon fracture type 21-B1, with subtypes 1-3. Outcome measures were loss of fracture fixation requiring revision, postoperative infection, stiffness requiring surgery, and symptomatic hardware removal (HWR). Univariate and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to test the associations between the type of internal fixation and outcomes. A total of 321 olecranon fractures were included (median age: 61 years old, 57 % female); 153 participants were treated with TBW, and 168 patients with POS. There was one failure in the TBW group and two in the POS group (P=0.62). There were no significant differences in the infection rates (TBW 5%, POS 9%, P=0.20) and no reoperations for stiffness. The HWR occurred significantly more often in TBW (29%) than in POS (14%) (OR=0.39, P=0.001). The association between POS and decreased HWR remained highly significant (OR=0.40, P=0.003) after adjusting for clinical variables. In this large study comparing POS and TBW for 21-B1 olecranon fractures, no difference in fixation failure, infection, or postoperative stiffness was noted. A significantly greater risk of symptomatic hardware occurred in TBW. These findings may assist surgeons and patients in considering the risks and benefits of TBW and POS as treatment options for displaced olecranon fractures.

Novel suture/suture-anchor fixation versus tension band wiring for olecranon fractures: A systematic review.

Tension Band Wiring (TBW) has traditionally been the cornerstone of operative management for simple displaced olecranon fractures but its success is limited by high complication rates, mainly related to metalwork irritation and fixation failure. Over the last twelve years, a number of novel fixation methods not involving metalwork have been described in case series (suture fixation, SF and suture-anchor fixation, SAF) with promising early results. In this systematic review, the outcomes of SF and SAF techniques are presented alongside those for TBW for the treatment of closed olecranon fractures without elbow instability. Five databases (Medline, Scholar, Scopus, Prospero and Cochrane) were searched for clinical studies involving TBW/SF/SAF for closed Mayo 1A/1B/2A/2B olecranon fractures from January 2010 onwards. Primary outcomes included overall complication and reoperation rates, as well as the rate of each specific complication. Elbow range of movement, surgeon and patient-reported outcome measures were defined as secondary outcomes. Eighteen studies were included, nine of which involved SF/SAF (99 patients) and nine TBW (382 patients). SF/SAF techniques were associated with lower rates of fracture/implant displacement (2% versus 9.7%, p = 0.01), implant irritation (1% versus 30.1%, p < 0.001) and overall complications (8% versus 46.1%, p < 0.001) when compared to TBW. Reoperation rates were lower for SF/SAF (3% versus 37.2%, p < 0.001). Total flexion/extension arc achieved was similar (130.16 ± 2.11 versus 129.45 ± 0.93 degrees). On average, patients regained a functional arc of flexion (135.21 ± 4.81 TBW versus 131.32 ± 12.99 SF/SAF) and extension (1.16 ± 7.54 SF/SAF versus 5.76 ± 7.98 TBW). Current evidence suggests that SF/SAF of simple olecranon fractures is a safe and effective alternative to the current gold standard TBW fixation, with preliminary evidence suggestive of lower complication and reoperation rates. Firm conclusions of equivalence or superiority are not possible based on the current poor quality of literature available. Until the outcomes of high-quality prospective studies are available, patients should be carefully counselled that suture methods remain novel and outcomes should be regularly audited.

Scandinavian Olecranon Research in the Elderly (SCORE): protocol for a non-inferiority, randomised, controlled, multicentre trial comparing operative and conservative treatment of olecranon fractures in the elderly

IntroductionThe incidence of olecranon fractures is growing in the elderly population. The traditional operative approach is giving way among the elderly to conservative treatment, which seems to provide a comparable...

La technique du hauban pour les fractures déplacées de l’olécrane par broches à œillet chez le sujet âgé : série de 17 cas

BackgroundTension-band wiring (TBW) and plate fixation are commonly used to fix displaced olecranon fractures. However, the high incidence of complications in the elderly, such as wound breakdown, infection, and loss of reduction, remain a concern for orthopaedic surgeons. Furthermore, patients frequently suffer from removal of the hardware. Even so, the operation seems to be indicated for independent elderly patients to return to their former activities of daily living. HypothesisTBW of displaced stable olecranon fractures with Eyelet-pins in the independent elderly reduce the incidence of complications and allow early elbow joint exercise to keep their former activities. Patients and methodsWe operated on the displaced stable olecranon fractures of 17 independent patients aged ≥70 using TBW with two Eyelet-pins. Eyelet-pins have an eyelet at the trailing end to prevent pin migration by passing a soft wire through it. The patients were reviewed clinically and radiologically at 2, 6, 12, and 24 weeks, and clinically at 1 year after the surgery. ResultsAll fractures were united within 12 weeks, and the anatomic reduction was maintained. Mean radiographic proximal migration of the Eyelet-pins was 0.4mm (0.1∼1.2mm). Mean active elbow flexion was 136° (115°∼145°) and extension 6.2° (0°∼30°). Two patients had mild local pain and pain on motion at the tip of the eyelet. No patient required removal of the hardware. Other complications, such as superficial or deep wound infections, and neurological symptoms or signs, were not seen. All patients were able to maintain their former activities of daily living. ConclusionTBW with Eyelet-pins for displaced stable olecranon fractures is useful for independent elderly patients to reduce the incidence of complications and to maintain their former activities of daily living without removal of the hardware. Level of evidenceIV; single-centre retrospective study.

Is surgery needed for displaced olecranon fractures in patients aged 75 years or over?

BackgroundFor displaced olecranon fractures, surgery is the standard of care in young adults but remains controversial in patients aged 75 years or over. The objective of this study was to assess the functional and radiological outcomes and to describe the complications of surgical treatment in this older population. HypothesisSurgery is the optimal treatment for displaced olecranon fractures in patients aged 75 years or over. Materials and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed the files of patients who were 75 years of age or older when they underwent surgery for displaced olecranon fractures at our centre between January 2013 and December 2017. Functional and radiological outcomes were assessed at radiological fracture healing or at last follow-up. ResultsWe included 29 patients with 30 fractures. Mean age was 82 years (range, 75–93 years). All 30 fractures were Mayo II or III, A or B. Tension-band wiring was used for 21 fractures, locked-plate fixation for 7 fractures, and double-plate fixation for 2 fractures. The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 82.5 (range, 45–100). Complications occurred for 11 (37%) fractures, and the material was removed for 11 (37%) fractures. DiscussionThe complications resulted from a mismatch between fracture type, bone quality, and the internal fixation material. Compared to tension-band wiring, plate fixation was associated with more complications, many of which required removal of the material. Tension-band wiring was not sufficient for proximal fractures and type III B fractures, for which lacing is an alternative. Conservative functional treatment remains a wise option for type II olecranon fractures in these elderly patients. Surgery is required, however, in patients with type III fractures (fracture-dislocations). Level of evidenceIV, retrospective, single-centre, observational cohort study.

Determination of Functional Outcomes of Displaced Olecranon Fracture Fixed with Intermedullary Partially Threaded Screw Augmented with Tension Band Wiring

Introduction: Orthopaedic injuries involving the olecranon are among the most often encountered in the emergency department. Objective: To determine the functional outcomes of displaced olecranon fracture fixed with intermedullary partially threaded screw augmented with tension band wiring Material and methods: This Descriptive/multicentric case series was conducted in Department of Orthopedics, Bahawal Victoria Hospital/Civil (Sadiq Abbasi) Hospital, Bahawalpur during June 2019 to June 2021. Patients who came through the emergency department and met the inclusion criteria were enrolled and given informed permission after clearance from the hospital's ethics committee. During general anesthesia or a biere’s block, all patients received tension band wire and intramedullary screw fixation. Results: Functional outcomes of displaced olecranon fracture fixed with intermedullary partially threaded screw augmented with tension band wiring was recorded as excellent in 57.39%(n=66), 32.17%(n=37) had good outcome, 10.44%(n=12) had fair outcome. Conclusion: We concluded that that functional outcomes of displaced olecranon fracture fixed with intermedullary partially threaded screw augmented with tension band wiring is good; however, validation is required through other local studies. Key words: Olecranon fracture, Intramedullary partially threaded screw, Tension band wiring, and Campbell’s posterolateral approach

Tension-band wiring of displaced stable olecranon fractures with Eyelet-pins in the elderly: A series of 17 cases

BackgroundTension-band wiring (TBW) and plate fixation are commonly used to fix displaced olecranon fractures. However, the high incidence of complications in the elderly, such as wound breakdown, infection, and loss of reduction, remain a concern for orthopaedic surgeons. Furthermore, patients frequently suffer from removal of the hardware. Even so, the operation seems to be indicated for independent elderly patients to return to their former activities of daily living. HypothesisTBW of displaced stable olecranon fractures with Eyelet-pins in the independent elderly reduce the incidence of complications and allow early elbow joint exercise to keep their former activities. Patients and methodsWe operated on the displaced stable olecranon fractures of 17 independent patients aged ≥ 70 using TBW with two Eyelet-pins. Eyelet-pins have an eyelet at the trailing end to prevent pin migration by passing a soft wire through it. The patients were reviewed clinically and radiologically at 2, 6, 12, and 24 weeks, and clinically at 1 year after the surgery. ResultsAll fractures were united within 12 weeks, and the anatomic reduction was maintained. Mean radiographic proximal migration of the Eyelet-pins was 0.4mm (0.1 ∼ 1.2mm). Mean active elbow flexion was 136° (115° ∼ 145°) and extension 6.2° (0° ∼ 30°). Two patients had mild local pain and pain on motion at the tip of the eyelet. No patient required removal of the hardware. Other complications, such as superficial or deep wound infections, and neurological symptoms or signs, were not seen. All patients were able to maintain their former activities of daily living. ConclusionTBW with Eyelet-pins for displaced stable olecranon fractures is useful for independent elderly patients to reduce the incidence of complications and to maintain their former activities of daily living without removal of the hardware. Level of evidenceIV; single-centre retrospective study.

Comparison of the efficacy of the tension band wiring with eyelet wire versus anatomical locking plate fixation for the treatment of displaced olecranon fractures.

This retrospective study was conducted to assess the clinical outcome and complications between tension band wiring (TBW) with eyelet wire and locking plate fixation used for the treatment of displaced olecranon fractures. A total of 58 patients (36 males and 22 females; mean age: 63years) were reviewed between April 2014 and September 2020. TBW with Ring Pin (RP group) was applied in 24 patients, including 15 Mayo type ⅡA and 9 Mayo type ⅡB patients. Anatomical locking plate (ALP group) was used in 34 patients, including 22 Mayo type ⅡA and 12 Mayo type ⅡB patients. Clinical outcome was evaluated using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), and active range of motion of the elbow and forearm and postoperative complications were reviewed. General characteristic of the patients and the fracture type were similar in the two groups. The mean MEPS values were 96.5 ± 7.3 in the RP group and 94.9 ± 9.4 in the ALP group. The mean elbow flexion arc was 127°±11 in the RP group. The mean elbow flexion arc was 122°±18 in the ALP group. No significant differences in clinical outcomes were observed between the two groups. Complication rates were significantly higher in the ALP group (19/34: 56%) than in the RP group (6/24: 25%). Although there were no statistically significant differences in clinical outcomes between the two groups, the ALP group had a higher proportion of any complication than the RP group.

More metalwork removals in patients with olecranon fracture treated by tension band wiring than plate fixation-a propensity score matching analysis

BackgroundTraditional tension band wiring and plate fixation represent the commonest methods for treating olecranon fractures. However, there is no agreement on which method provides the best outcome. The aim of this retrospective study is to compare the outcomes of tension band wiring (TBW) and plate fixation (PF) for treating displaced olecranon fractures. This is the first study to use propensity score matching analysis to compare treatment methods for olecranon fracture.MethodA total of 107 patients aged between 18 and 85 had acute isolated and displaced olecranon fractures. The patients were divided into either TBW (n = 49) or PF (n = 58) groups. To conduct propensity score matching for the treatment method (TBW versus PF), 58 patients were analyzed by logistic regression (29 patients in each group). Various demographic and treatment-related variables were examined and analyzed to determine their correlation.ResultsFunctional effects between two groups are similar (in terms of Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), the patients’ range of elbow motion (ROM) and forearm rotation (RFR), the time return to work (RTW)). The total adverse events rate and metalwork removal events rate are higher in TBW than that in PF. After propensity score matching analysis, similar primary treatment efficacy (indicated by MEPS> 90) in 2 groups and more primary adverse events (indicated by metalwork removal) were perceived in TBW than that in PF. Logistic regression analysis revealed that fracture type was an independent factor that affected the efficacy of a treatment (regression coefficient = − 1.24 < 0, P = 0.03), indicating that fracture severity was inversely proportional to the efficacy of a treatment for olecranon fracture. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the treatment method was an independent factor that affected metalwork removal of olecranon fracture (regression coefficient 2.38 > 0, OR = 10.77, P < 0.01), indicating that the risk of metalwork removal in the TBW Group was 10.77 times that in the PF Group.ConclusionWhen initially discussing the surgical approach with patients, physicians should fully weigh the possibility that TBW may lead to a second surgery due to the higher risk of internal fixation removal and that TBW won’t yield better functional outcomes than PF .