Arch Hand Microsurg.  2019 Jun;24(2):133-141. 10.12790/ahm.2019.24.2.133.

The Result of Locking Compression Plate Olecranon Plate Fixation for Unstable Comminuted Olecranon Fracture

• Hong IT
• Jung K
• Kim YS
• Han SH

• KMID: 2448047
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12790/ahm.2019.24.2.133

Abstract

PURPOSE
Olecranon fractures of Mayo type IIIb occurring in less than 15% of total olecranon fractures usually require open reduction and internal fixation with plate. Concomitant injury to the surrounding soft tissue is common and anatomical reduction is relatively difficult, which may be predictive of poor prognosis compared to simple fracture. We performed open reduction and locking compression plate (LCP) olecranon plate fixation in Mayo type IIIb fractures, and analyzed the results of the treatment.
METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed 29 patients who underwent LCP plate fixation for olecranon fractures of Mayo type IIIb. Twenty four males and 5 females were included, and the average follow-up period was 17 months. Radiographic analysis was performed to assess the stability of the joint, union time of the fracture, and the occurrence of traumatic arthritis at the final follow-up. We analyzed the range of motion of the elbow at the final follow-up, the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS), the disability of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score, and postoperative complications.
RESULTS
All cases showed bony union and stable elbow joint on simple plain radiography. On final follow-up radiography, traumatic arthritis was observed in 1 case. The mean range of motion of the elbow was 129.7°, the mean MEPS was 88.6, and DASH score was 11.04.
CONCLUSION
Based on the results of this study, the satisfactory results can be obtained if appropriate open reduction and stable internal fixation using olecranon LCP plate is achieved in unstable comminuted olecranon fractures.

Keyword

Olecranon; Fracture; Internal fixators; Comminuted fractures

MeSH Terms

Arm
Arthritis
Elbow
Elbow Joint
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Fractures, Comminuted
Hand
Humans
Internal Fixators
Joints
Male
Olecranon Process*
Postoperative Complications
Prognosis
Radiography
Range of Motion, Articular
Retrospective Studies
Shoulder

Figure

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  Fig. 1. Preoperative plain radiographs and computed tomography scan of 65 years old male who sustained a traffic accident show Mayo type IIIb olecranon fracture.

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  Fig. 2. Follow-up radiographs taken at 6 months after surgery show bony union and stable elbow joint.

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  Fig. 3. Plate and screws were all removed at 6 months after surgery.

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  Fig. 4. Photographs of the patient taken at 1 year after surgery.

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  Fig. 5. Preoperative plain radiographs and computed tomography scan of 71 years old female who was injured by slip and fall show Mayo type IIIb olecranon fracture.

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  Fig. 6. Follow-up radiographs taken at 3 years after surgery show bony union with mild osteo-arthritic change of elbow joint.

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  Fig. 7. Photographs of the patient taken at 3 years after surgery.

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