Tension band wire fixation in olecranon fractures: a retrospective study

Mohammed KM. Ali; Catherine Hatzantonis; C. A. Mbah; Amol Tambe; D. I. Clark

doi:10.18203/2349-2902.isj20162706

Authors

Mohammed KM. Ali Department of Orthopaedics, Royal Derby Hospital Uttoxeter Rd, Derby DE22 3NE
Catherine Hatzantonis Department of Orthopaedics, Royal Derby Hospital Uttoxeter Rd, Derby DE22 3NE
C. A. Mbah Department of Orthopaedics, Royal Derby Hospital Uttoxeter Rd, Derby DE22 3NE
Amol Tambe Department of Orthopaedics, Royal Derby Hospital Uttoxeter Rd, Derby DE22 3NE
D. I. Clark Department of Orthopaedics, Royal Derby Hospital Uttoxeter Rd, Derby DE22 3NE

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-2902.isj20162706

Keywords:

Olecranon, Fractures, Tension band wire, Outcome

Abstract

Background:To evaluate the outcome of tension band wire fixation (TBW) of olecranon fractures in terms of bone union, surgical complications and return to theatre.

Methods: We retrospectively studied clinical patient notes and radiographs of fifty-two patients who underwent TBW fixation for olecranon fractures between January 2011 and January 2015, at an average follow-up of 36 months.

Results:This study included fifty-two patients (thirty-six females and sixteen males), with a mean age of 54. All patients were treated by TBW fixation. Thirty patients had no complications post-operatively with good outcome. Sixteen patients (31%) had metal work removal, and three patients (6%) had non-union. Eighty-two percent of the removed metal work had two knots, 70% were intramedullary and 61% were proud.

Conclusions:Tension band wire fixation is a procedure with low risk of non-union; however, the percentage of metal work removal is significant. Using one knot, passing the K-wires across the anterior cortex, and flushing the proximal end will reduce the rate of return to theatre.