Fractures of the Olecranon of Ulna treated by Plating and Tension-Band Wiring technique

Lee, Jun Mo; Park, Jong Hyuk

Abstract

Fractures of the olecranon of ulna are caused by a number of different mechanisms including a direct blow, a fall on the stretched hand with the elbow in flexion leading to an avulsion fracture by the contracture of the triceps, and by higher energy trauma. Olecranon fractures are intraarticular and frequently unable to manage by manipulation, therefore an open reduction and internal fixation procedure is usually indicated. Authors have experienced and compared the results of 21 cases who were treated by plating and tension-band wiring technique from March 1989 through February 1996 at the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chonbuk National Liniversity llospital. The results were as follows, 1. fractures treated by plating were type II. C comminuted fractures(6 cases, 28%), type II. D frac ture/dislocations(2 cases,10%) and type II. B transverse and oblique fractures(2 cases, 10%) in Coltons classification. 2. Plating was the preferred technique for the type II. C and II. D fractures which need autogenous iliac cancellous bone grafting and early active rehabilitation. 3. All of 21 cases were followed up for more than 15 months after surgery and showed good and excellent results according to Weseleys criteria. 4. In tension-band wiring, olecranon bursitis was occurred in 1 case.