J Korean Fract Soc.  2009 Jul;22(3):166-171. 10.12671/jkfs.2009.22.3.166.

Internal Fixation Using Double Plates for Comminuted Olecranon Fractures in Adults

• Shin HD
• Yang JH
• Kim PS

• KMID: 2063905
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2009.22.3.166

Abstract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical usefulness of internal fixation with double plates for comminuted olecranon fractures.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Nine patients with olecranon fractures which are classified into Mayo type IIB (7 cases) and type IIIB (2 cases) underwent internal fixation using double plates from June 2002 to September 2005. They were followed-up for more than 12 months and average period of follow-up was 14 (12~18) months. Six cases were males and three were females. Mean age was 40.7 (21~63) years. We used open reduction and internal fixation using double plates. Clinical assessment index was pain, range of motion (ROM), stability and function of joint at last follow-up. The sum of four indices were compared. Also, we evaluated starting time of full ROM exercise, bony union time and complications.
RESULTS
All cases started postoperative ROM within 7 days and clinical results were evaluated using Mayo elbow performance index. 'Excellent', 'good' were 2, 6 cases, respectively and 1 case was 'fair'. Elbow ROM was more than 110o in all cases except one. Mean radiological bony union time was 3.9 (2.5~5) months postoperatively. There were heterotrophic ossifications in 3 cases as complication.
CONCLUSION
Internal fixation using double plates for comminuted olecranon fractures in adults can be good treatment option which obtains good clinical results and enables early ROM.

Keyword

Olecranon comminuted fractures; Internal fixation using double plates; Early ROM

MeSH Terms

Adult
Elbow
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Joints
Male
Olecranon Process
Range of Motion, Articular

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 (A) Preoperative simple radiographs showed Mayo type IIB olecranon fracture. (B) In 3D-CT, we found the comminuted and displaced fracture of olecranon. (C) The fracture was fixed internally using double plates. (D) On 12 months after surgery, simple radiographs show rigid fixation of fracture site and no loosening of plates.

• 

  Fig. 2 (A) On preoperative radiological evaluation, we diagnosed Mayo type IIB, comminuted olecranon fracture. (B) Postoperative simple radiographs showing internal fixation using double plates. (C) On 14 months after surgery, follow-up radiographs show heterotrophic ossification around olecranon, but fracture was fixed rigidly.

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