Publication:

Tension band wire fixation in olecranon fractures: a retrospective study

Background To evaluate the outcome of tension band wire fixation (TBW) of olecranon fractures in terms of bone union, surgical complications and return to theatre.

Methods We retrospectively studied clinical patient notes and radiographs of fifty-two patients who underwent TBW fixation for olecranon fractures between January 2011 and January 2015, at an average follow-up of 36 months.

Results This study included fifty-two patients (thirty-six females and sixteen males), with a mean age of 54.  All patients were treated by TBW fixation.  Thirty patients had no complications post-operatively with good outcome.  Sixteen patients (31%) had metal work removal, and three patients (6%) had non-union. Eighty-two percent of the removed metal work had two knots, 70% were intramedullary and 61% were proud.

Conclusions Tension band wire fixation is a procedure with low risk of non-union; however, the percentage of metal work removal is significant. Using one knot, passing the K-wires across the anterior cortex, and flushing the proximal end will reduce the rate of return to theatre.