Operative treatment of communited olecranon fractures using tension-band wiring and miniplate augmentation

Olecranon fractures are intra-articular injuries that require anatomic restoration of the articular surface. For most simple noncomminuted transverse olecranon fractures, tension band wire fixation can provide a stable construct to allow for early joint range of motion. However, in comminuted olecranon fractures, it is difficult to provide a sufficient buttress for impacted articular fragments using tension band wire fixation. Therefore, plate fixation is the standard fixation method, but wide skin exposure and symptomatic plate irritation on the skin are common complications. The authors' technique uses tension band wire fixation with miniplate augmentation for patients with comminuted olecranon fractures.