Olecranon Fracture. A New Therapeutic Alternative
Abstract
Objective: Displaced olecranon fractures mostly require surgical fixation. The most commonly used techniques are tension band wiring and plate fixation, but they are associated with high rates of discomfort due to soft tissue irritation. An alternative surgical option is fixation with high-strength sutures with intramedullary screws. The aim of this study is to evaluate the range of motion, bone healing and complications using this technique. Materials and Methods: Six patients with type IIA fractures with an average age of 43 years (range 24-60 years) treated with high strength suture and intramedullary screw between January 2020 - April 2021 were included. Post-operative range of motion, bone healing and complications were evaluated. All were evaluated up to 6 months postoperatively. Results: At the 6th postoperative month, the average flexion was 143º (range 90º-160º), average extension 19º (0º-55º), there was bone healing in 5 patients, and 1 nonunion with joint stiffness (complication 16.6%). There were no second surgeries. Conclusion: Simple displaced olecranon fractures treated with high-strength suture with intramedullary screws is a simple, reproducible and economical technique since it does not require a second surgery, as is the case with traditional fixation methods for this pathology.Downloads
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