The design of the plate allows more screw options particularly with regard to hold in the proximal fragment, which can be small and multi-fragmentary in some cases. If these criteria are not satisfied, I opt for pre-contoured Synthes anatomic locking plates. Metalwork removal rates have been quoted in the region of 50%. Tension band suture fixation for olecranon fractures. The original technique was first described by Professor Watts et al. Concerns regarding metalwork prominence and irritation, and wound breakdown, have led to a change by myself towards suture tension band fixation using Fibrewire/Fibretape (Arthrex).
It requires, like all surgery, weighing up the pros and cons of the fixation method, and tailored according to the patient.Ĭlassically, tension band fixation has been performed using Kirschner wires and stainless steel wire secured in a figure of eight configuration. If all the criteria are not satisfied, it does not exclude tension band fixation as a fixation method. If all these factors are satisfied, tension band fixation is a good option. Coronoid fractures, radial head fractures and Monteggia type fractures can increase instability in the elbow that a tension band fixation is not designed to neutralise. Fractures that occur distal to the centre of rotation, again introduce a flexion moment to the fracture and can affect stability, and therefore risk failure.Ĥ – Associated fractures. This introduces a flexion moment and again, is theoretically less robust.ģ – Fractures distal to the centre of rotation to the elbow joint. The more oblique the fracture, the more the acting forces deviate from the line of action. If there is comminution, there is not enough inherent stability and the fixation is at risk of biomechanical failure as the tension forces are unable to be transferred into a compressive force.Ģ – Obliquity of the fracture. However, there are caveats if using the tension band principle as to when it may not be appropriate for fixation as follows:ġ – Comminution. The principles of tension band fixation involve converting the tension force on the dorsal aspect of the fracture into a dynamic compressive force at the articular surface. Tension band fixation is the commonest method of internal fixation used for non-comminuted olecranon fractures. My preference is in most cases either for olecranon plating or tension band fixation. The method of fixation is essentially determined by the fracture pattern. The olecranon receives the insertion of the triceps, as well as the anconeus on the lateral side.įor displaced fractures of the olecranon, surgical fixation is recommended unless the patient is functionally of low demand or medically at high risk undergoing anaesthetic. Injury 1995 26:163–8).Īnatomically it is worth remembering that the olecranon, with the coronoid process, form the greater sigmoid notch and form the ulno-humeral articulation that acts as a primary stabilisers of the elbow (along with the medial and lateral collateral ligament). The mechanism of elbow fractures: an investigation using impact tests in vitro. Radial head and coronoid fractures have been shown to occur in laboratory testing at flexion of less than 80 degrees, olecranon fractures at 90 degrees of flexion and distal humeral fractures at greater than 110 degrees (Amis AA, Miller JH. The position of the elbow can influence the pattern of injury. These can occur as a direct blow, resulting in comminuted fractures, or indirectly, as a fall onto an outstretched hand, resulting in transverse or oblique fractures. They have a bimodal distribution and usually occur as high energy injuries in the young, and low energy falls in the elderly. Olecranon fractures comprise around 10% of all fractures around the elbow. Our e-learning platform contains high resolution images and a certified CME of the Olecranon fracture : Suture tension-band fixation using Arthrex Fibretape sutures surgical procedure. Learn the Olecranon fracture : Suture tension-band fixation using Arthrex Fibretape sutures surgical technique with step by step instructions on OrthOracle.
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