An Assessment of 3.5mm Reconstruction Plate Fixation in Olecranon Fractures

Background: Olecranon process is a large, curved eminence comprising of the proximal and posterior part of the ulna. It lies subcutaneously which makes it more vulnerable to injury. Due to intra-articular extension of fractures, anatomical reduction and early mobilization should be achieved in every case and usually managed surgically. Aims and Objectives: To access the results of reconstruction plate in fracture olecranon.Materials &Methods: This was a prospective study consisted of 25 cases of olecranon fractures which were managed by open reduction and internal fixation using 3.5mm reconstruction plate. Patients were followed up every month till 6 months. At each follow up visit clinical and radiological parameters were assessed: Final assessment was done at 6 months using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score.Result: According to the AO classification, Type A-1 – 7 cases, A-3 – 1case, B-1 – 13 cases, B-3 – 1 case, C-1 – 1 case, C-2 – 1 case, C-3 – 1 case. An adequate reduction was maintained in all fractured olecranon until union. Average radiological union time was 12 weeks in 72% cases, 15 weeks in 16% cases, 18 weeks in 8% cases and > 18 weeks in 4% cases. The results were graded as per the criteria laid by Rogers et al as excellent in 84% cases, good in 12% and unsatisfactory in 4% cases. 2 cases developed superficial infection and 1 deep infection and 1 delayed union.Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation of fracture of olecranon with 3.5mm reconstruction plate is based on sound biomechanical principle with a good functional outcome and a low incidence of complications.

Standardized fracture creation in the distal humerus and the olecranon for surgical training and biomechanical testing

Introduction Surgical training and biomechanical testing require models that realistically represent the in vivo injury condition. The aim of this work was to develop and test a method for the generation of distal humerus fractures and olecranon fractures in human specimens, while preserving the soft tissue envelope. Methods Twenty-one cadaveric upper extremity specimens (7 female, 14 male) were used. Two different experimental setups were developed, one to generate distal humerus fractures and one to generate olecranon fractures. Specimens were placed in a material testing machine and fractured with a predefined displacement. The force required for fracturing and the corresponding displacement were recorded and the induced energy was derived of the force–displacement graphs. After fracturing, CT imaging was performed and fractures were classified according to the AO classification. Results Eleven distal humerus fractures and 10 olecranon fractures with intact soft tissue envelope could be created. Distal humerus fractures were classified as AO type C (n = 9) and as type B (n = 2), all olecranon fractures were classified as AO type B (n = 10). Distal humerus fractures required significantly more load than olecranon fractures (6077 N ± 1583 vs 4136 N ± 2368, p = 0.038) and absorbed more energy until fracture than olecranon fractures (17.8 J ± 9.1 vs 11.7 J ± 7.6, p = 0.11), while the displacement at fracture was similar (5.8 mm ± 1.6 vs 5.9 mm ± 3.1, p = 0.89). Conclusion The experimental setups are suitable for generating olecranon fractures and distal humerus fractures with intact soft tissue mantle for surgical training and biomechanical testing.

The Evolution of Olecranon Fractures and Its Fixation Strategies

Introduction. Olecranon fractures are a common fracture of the upper extremity. The primary aim was to investigate the evolution of olecranon fractures and fixation method over a period of 12 years. The secondary aim was to compare complication rates of Tension Band Wiring (TBW) and Plate Fixation (PF). Materials and Methods Retrospective Study for all patients with surgically treated olecranon fractures from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2016 from a tertiary trauma center. Records review for demographic, injury characteristics, radiographic classification and configuration, implant choices and complications. Results grouped into three 4-year intervals, analyzed comparatively to establish significant trends over 12 years. Results 262 patients were identified. Demographically, increasing mean age (48.7 to 58.9 years old, p-value 0.004) and higher ASA scores (7.1% ASA 3 to 21.0% ASA 3 p-value 0.001). Later fractures were more oblique (fracture angle 86.1 to 100.0 degrees, p-value 0.001) and comminuted (Schatzker D type 10.4–30.0%, p-value 0.025, single fracture line 94.0–66.0%, p-value 0.001). Implant choice, sharp increase in PF compared to TBW (PF 16.0% to PF 80.2%, p-value 0.001). Complication-wise, TBW had higher rates of symptomatic implant, implant and bony failures and implant removal. Conclusion Demographic and fracture characteristic trends suggest that olecranon fractures are exhibiting fragility fracture characteristics (older age, higher ASA scores, more unstable, oblique and comminuted olecranon fractures). Having a high index of suspicion would alert surgeons to consider use of advanced imaging, utilize appropriate fixation techniques and manage the underlying osteoporosis for secondary fracture prevention. Despite this, trends suggest a potential overutilization of PF particularly for stable fracture patterns and the necessary precaution should be exercised.

Clinico-radiological and functional outcome of Mayo type IIA olecranon fractures managed with tension band wiring in a tertiary care centre in North India

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background: </strong>Tension band wiring is the most common operative technique for the internal fixation of olecranon fractures. Stable internal fixation with figure of eight tension band wiring used for simple transverse fractures allows early range of motion, minimize stiffness and gives good results. The aim of this study is to evaluate the functional outcome of simple transverse fractures managed by tension band wiring.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This was an observational prospective study of 24 patients with Mayo type IIA fractures aged between 18 to 65 years, with mean age of 42.5 years treated by tension band wiring. Functional outcome was assessed with Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) subjective pain score.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results: </strong>Our study was conducted on 24 patients with Mayo type IIA, out of which 16 were males and 8 were females. Most common mode of injury was fall from standing height (75%), followed by road traffic accident (16.7%) and assault (8.3%). The age range was between 18 to 65 years, with mean age of 42.5 years.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Tension band wiring is an effective method for the treatment of transverse, non-comminuted and unstable fractures of the olecranon which provides stable fixation, early rehabilitation and gives excellent results when done in expert hands.</p>