gms | German Medical Science

Objectives: Tension band wiring and proximal ulnar plate fixation are commonly used fixation methods for olecranon fractures. However, they may not be suitable for proximal olecranon avulsion fractures. We presented a novel fixation technique for the treatment of proximal avulsion fractures, T-shaped plate combined with a wire.

Methods: Between March 2016 and May 2020, 16 patients with proximal olecranon avulsion fractures were performed surgery by a T-shaped plate combined with a wire fixation at our hospital. The parameters followed were fracture healing time, elbow range of motion (ROM) , related functional scores (the Mayo score, the DASH score), and complications related to the internal fixation.

Results: Average follow-up period was 17 (14–21) months and fractures had healed in all patients included in the study with the average fracture union of 9.25 (8–12) weeks. No patients reported fixation failure, serious infection, or revision surgery. The average ROM of the elbow joint was 123°(120-135°). The Mayo score was excellent in 11 cases and good in 5 cases. The average DASH score was 17.75 (12–24).

Conclusion: Olecranon avulsion fractures are fixed with T-shaped steel plate combined with steel wire, which can be used for early functional exercise and achieve good final functional results. This method can provide stable fixation, especially in elderly patients with osteoporosis.