Abstract
Aims: to evaluate the outcome following internal þxation of olecranon fractures using the techniques of tension band wiring and plating with a minimum follow up of two years. Methods:Design: retrospective evaluation and clinical review. Setting: regional trauma centre. Patients and participants: 48 consecutive patients with fractures of the olecranon were treated over a twenty month period (may 1993 to december 1994). 25 fractures were þxed using a tension band wiring technique and 23 underwent plating; the selection of method was based on agreed radiological fracture pattern criteria. Main outcome measurements: radiographic evaluation of the quality of reduction. Clinical outcome (broberg and morrey functional rating index). Results: clinical evaluation of 39 patients was carried out. In the tension band wiring group 17 (85 percent) patients had an excellent or good outcome and 11 (55 percent) patients underwent a second procedure for symptomatic metalwork. In the plating group 16 (84 percent) patients had an excellent or good outcome and 2 (11 percent) patients underwent a second procedure for symptomatic metalwork. The latter group had more complex and associated fractures and included the only poor result. Conclusion: internal þxation of fractures of the olecranon results in good functional outcome. Fixation with a plate is effective and produces good outcome even though selected for the more complex olecranon fractures. Patients who have tension band wiring more often require a second procedure for removal of symptomatic metalwork.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
