Publication:

A comparative study of outcome of tension band wiring and hook plating in fracture olecranon

Background Olecranon fractures are common upper limb fracture accounting for 40% of the fractures around elbow. Anatomic reduction and restoration of the joint surface is required for good outcome and to prevent post-traumatic arthritis. This study was directed towards the functional results and complications of surgical management of olecranon fracture treated with hook plate fixation and tension band wiring.

Methods This prospective comparative study was done at a tertiary care centre from 2019 to 2022. This study consisted of 30 patients of fracture olecranon of which 15 were treated with tension band wiring and 15 with hook plate. All patients were followed up with minimum follow up of six months and evaluated for their functional outcome using Mayo elbow performance score.

Results In this study, the average age was 34 years in TBW group and 37 years in hook plate group. The mean Mayo elbow performance score after 6 months in TBW group was 88.33 (excellent) and in plate group was 90 (excellent). Superficial infection was present in 2 patients of the TBW group. Elbow stiffness was present in 2 patients of TBW group. Hardware impingement was present in one patient in each of TBW group and plate group.

Conclusions To achieve early movements and to prevent complications like traumatic arthritis and joint stiffness we need a perfect anatomical reduction in intra-articular fractures of the olecranon.  This study showed no significant difference in functional outcome with both the techniques, but the complications are more with TBW.