Plate osteosynthesis for severe olecranon fractures
Ernesto Munoz-Mahamud1, Jenaro A Fernandez-Valencia, Josep Riba
1Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. e.munoz.mahamud@gmail.com
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery (Hong Kong)
|April 30, 2010
Summary
Plate osteosynthesis is effective for severe olecranon fractures, though severe soft-tissue injury increases infection risk. Outcomes were generally satisfactory, with good bone union and functional recovery in most patients.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Trauma surgery
Background:
- Severe olecranon fractures often involve significant soft-tissue injury.
- Plate osteosynthesis is a common surgical treatment for these complex fractures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of plate osteosynthesis in patients with severe olecranon fractures.
- To identify factors associated with complications.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 10 patients (7 men, 3 women) with severe olecranon fractures treated with plate osteosynthesis.
- Follow-up assessed fracture healing, range of motion, complications (nerve damage, infection, heterotopic ossification), hardware issues, and functional scores (MEPS, LES-PAQ).
Main Results:
- All patients achieved bone union; no nerve damage or heterotopic ossification occurred.
- Three patients with type-IIIB fractures and severe soft-tissue injury developed deep infections, all treated with limited contact dynamic compression plates.
- Four patients required hardware removal due to complaints; one needed secondary surgery for range of motion restoration. Mean MEPS was 84.
Conclusions:
- Plate osteosynthesis provides satisfactory outcomes for severe olecranon fractures.
- A higher deep infection rate is observed in patients with severe soft-tissue injury, suggesting careful patient selection and management are crucial.
