J Korean Fract Soc.  2015 Jan;28(1):59-64. 10.12671/jkfs.2015.28.1.59.

Treatment of Olecranon Fractures with Proximal Ulna Comminution Using Locking Compression Plates

• Hong KD
• Kim TH
• Sim JC
• Ha SS
• Sung MC
• Jeon JH

• KMID: 1774098
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2015.28.1.59

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical results of locking compression plate (LCP) fixation for olecranon fractures with proximal ulna comminution.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We review 10 cases of olecranon fractures with proximal ulna comminution treated with LCPs from August 2011 to August 2013. Follow-up period was from 12 months to 18 months. Mean age was 63.1 years (35-84 years). According to the Mayo classification, there were eight type IIB, and two type IIIB fractures. We used Mayo classification. Clinical evaluation was performed based on radiographic union of olecranon and measurements of range of motion at last follow-up. Disability of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score and Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) were used for evaluation of functional recovery.
RESULTS
All patients had bone union. According to the MEPS, nine of ten patients had a good or excellent outcome. The mean DASH score was 18.6. All cases started postoperative range of motion (ROM) within 14 days. Elbow ROM was more than 110degrees in all cases except one. Mean radiological bony union time was 4.2 months (2.5-6.0 months) postoperatively. Complication was hardware irritation in three patients.
CONCLUSION
Internal fixation using LCP for olecranon fractures with proximal ulna comminution can be a good treatment option which obtains good clinical results and enables early ROM.

Keyword

Olecranon fractures; Internal fixation using locking compression plate; Early range of motion

MeSH Terms

Arm
Classification
Elbow
Follow-Up Studies
Hand
Humans
Olecranon Process*
Range of Motion, Articular
Shoulder
Ulna*

Figure

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  Fig. 1 (A) Radiographs show olecranon fracture of type IIIB with proximal ulna comminution. (B) Radiographs show internal fixation of olecranon fracture with locking compression plate postoperatively.

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  Fig. 2 (A) Radiographs show olecranon fracture of type IIB with proximal ulna comminution. (B) Three-dimensional reconstructed computed tomography scan shows olecranon fracture of type IIA with proximal ulna comminution. (C) Radiographs show internal fixation of olecranon fracture with locking compression plate (LCP) postoperatively. (D) Radiographs of postoperative 12 months show LCP with good congruity of the elbow.

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