scholarly journals Tension band suture fixation for olecranon fractures

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 299-303 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joideep Phadnis ◽  
Adam C Watts

Olecranon fractures are common and often require surgical treatment when displaced. Traditional methods of stabilization using tension band wire fixation and plate fixation achieve adequate union and function but are associated with a high rate of re-operation and wound problems because of prominent metalwork. The purpose of the present article is to describe an all suture technique for fixation of simple olecranon fractures that maintains inter-fragmentary compression, provides bony union and reduces the rate of re-operation caused by prominent metalwork.

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 414-421
Author(s):  
Joideep Sunil Phadnis ◽  
Alex Vaughan ◽  
Toni Luokkala ◽  
Jonathon Peters ◽  
Jay J Watson ◽  
...  

Background Tension band wiring and plate fixation are common techniques used to stabilize simple olecranon fractures and osteotomies of the olecranon. All suture fixation is an alternative technique but has not been compared previously to these traditional methods. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of the three techniques. Methods One hundred and sixty-eight consecutive Mayo type 1 and 2 olecranon fractures (n = 138) and olecranon osteotomies (n = 30) with a minimum follow-up time of one year were compared. The primary outcome measure was the rate of re-operation. Secondary outcome measures were the incidence of complications, rate of radiographic union and incidence of radiographic reduction loss. Results Fixation was performed using tension band wiring in 89 patients, plating in 38 patients and suture fixation in 41 patients. There was no significant difference in the fracture type according to the Mayo classification between the groups. The re-operation rate was significantly higher in the tension band wiring group (36%) compared with both the plate group (11%, p = 0.03) and the suture group (2%, p = 0.002). There were two revision fixations in the tension band wiring group and one in the suture group. There was one asymptomatic non-union in the suture group. All other fractures and osteotomies achieved radiographic union. Conclusion Suture fixation of simple olecranon fractures and osteotomies was reliable in providing stable union and had a significantly lower re-operation rate when compared with tension band wiring.


Author(s):  
Lokesh Kumar Yogi ◽  
Gagandeep Mahi ◽  
C. R. Thorat ◽  
Moti Janardhan Naik

<p><strong>Background:</strong> Fractures of olecranon are common fractures in upper limb. Tension band wiring (TBW) and plate fixation (PF) are mostly used techniques but choice is based on type of fracture and surgeon’s preference.</p><p><strong>Methods:</strong>  A study assessed functional results in 28 patients that were enrolled after the clinical event of trauma has occurred. Patients were divided into two groups- Group (A) for TBW and Group (B) for PF; here gender, age and side of fracture were ignored. Post-operative functional outcome were evaluated by using the Mayo Elbow Performance (MEP) and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score parameters.</p><p><strong>Results:<em> </em></strong>Mean (SD) union time as determined by postoperative radiographs was 8.5 (1.48) weeks for group (A) and 9 (2.08) weeks for group (B). Mean (SD) MEP score at 9 months in group (A) 84.28 (7.28) and 80.71 (10.92) in group (B). Mean (SD) DASH at 9 months in group (A) 12.2 (8.8) and 11.7 (10.4) in group (B). Complications were reported in group (A) 6 patient (42.85%) out of 14 patients and in group (B) 1 patient (7.14%) out of 14 patients.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:<em> </em></strong>The current study shows that there are no significant differences in functional outcome between both the study groups. Due to lesser complications, we recommend the plate fixation approach as the better choice for transverse displaced olecranon fractures. More large scale studies are required to further confirm our results.</p>


2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Willem-Maarten P. F. Bosman ◽  
Benjamin L. Emmink ◽  
Abhiram R. Bhashyam ◽  
R. Marijn Houwert ◽  
Jort Keizer

Abstract Purpose Olecranon fractures are common and typically require surgical fixation due to displacement generated by the pull of the triceps muscle. The most common techniques for repairing olecranon fractures are tension-band wiring or plate fixation, but these methods are associated with high rates of implant-related soft-tissue irritation. Another treatment option is fixation with an intramedullary screw, but less is known about surgical results using this strategy. Thus, the purpose of this study was to report the clinical and functional outcomes of olecranon fractures treated with an intramedullary cannulated screw. Methods We identified 15 patients (average age at index procedure 44 years, range 16–83) with a Mayo type I or IIA olecranon fracture who were treated with an intramedullary cannulated screw at a single level 2 trauma center between 2012 and 2017. The medical record was reviewed to assess radiographic union, postoperative range of motion and complications (including hardware removal). Patient-reported outcome was evaluated using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. Average follow-up was 22 months (range 8–36 months). Results By the 6th month post-operative visit, 14 patients had complete union of their fracture and 1 patient had an asymptomatic non-union that did not require further intervention. Average flexion was 145° (range 135–160) and the average extension lag was 11° (range 0–30). Implants were removed in 5 patients due to soft-tissue irritation. Average DASH score (± standard deviation) by final follow-up was 16 ± 10. Conclusions Fixation of simple olecranon fractures with an intramedullary screw is a safe and easy fixation method in young patients, leading to good functional and radiological results. Compared to available data, less hardware removal is necessary than with tension-band wiring or plate fixation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 230949902110592
Author(s):  
Haruhiko Shimura ◽  
Akimoto Nimura ◽  
Koji Fujita ◽  
Hidetoshi Kaburagi

Background 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. Methods A total of 58 patients (36 males and 22 females; mean age: 63 years) 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. Results 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%). Conclusion 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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 1242-1248
Author(s):  
Kaare Sourin Midtgaard ◽  
Endre Søreide ◽  
Jan Egil Brattgjerd ◽  
Gilbert Moatshe ◽  
Jan Erik Madsen ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Nowotny ◽  
F. Bischoff ◽  
T. Ahlfeld ◽  
J. Goronzy ◽  
E. Tille ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Patients with a simple transversal fracture of the olecranon are often treated with a tension band wiring (TBW), because it is known as a biomechanically appropriate and cost-effective procedure. Nevertheless, the technique is in detail more challenging than thought, resulting in a considerable high rate of implant-related complications like k-wire loosening and soft tissue irritation. In the literature, a distinction is generally only made between transcortical (bi-) and intramedullary (mono-) fixation of the wires. There is the additional possibility to fix the proximal bent end of k-wire in the cortex of the bone and thus create a tricortical fixation. The present study investigates the effectiveness of bi- and tricortical k-wire fixation in a biomechanical approach. Methods TBW of the olecranon was performed at 10 cadaver ulnas from six donors in a usual manner and divided into two groups: In group 1, the k-wire was inserted by bicortical fixation (BC), and in group 2, a tricortical fixation (TC) was chosen. Failure behavior and maximum pullout strength were assessed and evaluated by using a Zwick machine. The statistical evaluation was descriptive and with a paired t test for the evaluation of significances between the two techniques. Results The average age of the used donors was 81.5 ± 11.5 (62–92) years. Three donors were female, and three were male. Ten k-wires were examined in BC group and 10 in the TC group. The mean bone density of the used proximal ulnas was on average 579 ± 186 (336–899) HU. The maximum pullout strength was 263 ± 106 (125–429) N in the BC group and increased significantly in the TC group to 325 ± 102 (144–466) N [p = .005]. Conclusion This study confirms for the first time biomechanical superiority of tricortical k-wire fixation in the olecranon when using a TBW and may justify the clinical use of this method.


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. e22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom H. Carter ◽  
Samuel G. Molyneux ◽  
Jeffrey T. Reid ◽  
Timothy O. White ◽  
Andrew D. Duckworth

Author(s):  
Maxi Benita Tengler ◽  
Helmut Lill ◽  
Maike Wente ◽  
Alexander Ellwein

Abstract Background Tension band wiring is the standard procedure for patellar fractures, but is associated with a high rate of implant related complications and implant failure. Tension band wiring may fail, especially with multifragmentary and comminuted fractures. Plate fixation of complex patellar fractures seems to be superior to wiring, both clinically and biomechanically. The aim of this study was to evaluate complications after locking plate fixation in patellar fractures two years after surgery and to access the functional outcome. Material and Methods As part of a prospective case series, all patients who had received locking plate fixation of a patellar fracture between April 2013 and May 2018 were clinically examined two years postoperatively and potential complications were evaluated. Results A total of 38 patients aged 19 – 87 years were included. Complications occurred in a total of five patients (13%), including one reactive prepatellar bursitis, one chronic infection and loss of reduction due to a dislocated pole fragment in three cases. The average active range of motion of the affected knee joint two years postoperatively was 133°. The Tegner activity scale score reached 3 points, the Lysholm score 95 points and the Kujala score 95 points. Conclusion With an overall relatively low complication rate and good clinical outcome, dislocated distal pole fragments are a common complication after plate fixation of patellar fractures. If preoperative diagnostic testing shows a pole fragment, a modified hook-plate can be used, with the possibility of fixing the pole fragment.


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