Evaluation of the Results of Internal Fixation of Olecranon Fracture: Comparative Study between Olecranon Plate and Screws Versus Tension Band and K Wires

Abstract

Background: Olecranon fractures constitute a large proportion of injuries about the elbow. Several fracture patterns are recognized, with each pattern lending itself to a different treatment modality ranging from conservative treatment to fixation by different methods like tension band wiring, olecranon plate, intramedullary screw with or without tension band, and single Rush pin fixation. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the result of fixation of olecranon fracture tension band with K-wire and posterior olecranon special non locked plate fixation. Materials and Methods: This study included 30 patients, prospectively of simple olecranon fracture. Patients were randomly classified into two equal groups; group I was managed by tension band and K wires, while group I was managed by special non locked olecranon plate and screws. Results: No significant differences were found between both groups in DASH score, range of motion, improvement rate, radiological outcomes and return to previous activities. Conclusion: There were no significant differences between the two-fixation method regarding to DASH, ROM, radiological outcomes, and return to previous activity but rate of hardware removal was higher in tension band and K wires than posterior olecranon special non locked plate fixation.