Abstract
Aim: To determine the complication rate following fixation of olecranon fractures in the elderly.
Method: A retrospective review of clinical notes and x-rays over a 4 year period at 3 district general hospitals in South Wales was performed. Only patients with isolated, displaced olecranon fractures over 65 years were included.
Results: 80 patients who underwent olecranon fixation were identified and reviewed. It was found that 80% of these underwent tension band wiring and the operations were performed in the majority by training grade surgeons. The overall complication rate was 37%. This included an infection rate of 13%, of which the majority required re-operation.2 patients required multiple procedures including olecranon excision and triceps advancement. Prominence of metalwork was a significant problem with removal of metalwork performed in 24% of patients.
Conclusion: In what is commonly regarded as a straightforward procedure carried out by training grade surgeons we found an unacceptable re-operation rate of 37%. It is our belief that olecranon fixation in the elderly is not a benign procedure and caution should be exercised when dealing with these injuries. We propose an alternative method of surgical treatment for these injuries.
The abstracts were prepared by David Stanley. Correspondence should be addressed to him c/o British Orthopaedic Association, Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PN.
