Type II olecranon fractures in patients over 65. Tension band or pre-formed plate? Analysis and results

The objective of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of surgical treatment using tension band with needles and preformed plates in type ii olecranon fractures according to the Mayo classification in patients older than 65 years.

A descriptive, retrospective study of 49 patients with a mean age of 75.1 years who underwent surgery olecranon fracture using 2 different fixing systems. The Mayo classification was used to define them, excluding type i and iii, and the VAS to assess postoperative pain. Patients were assessed functionally by the questionnaire Quick DASH. All measurement was performed with goniometer and joint balance serial radiographs at one month, 3, 6 and 12 months. Minimum follow-up was one year.

In 26 patients the tension band was used and the preformed plates in 23. There were no statistically significant differences in functional outcomes, joint balance or postoperative VAS between the 2 groups. There were a greater proportion of patients who had to be operated because of problems related to osteosynthesis material in those in which preformed plates were used.

Treatment of olecranon fractures with tension band with needles and cerclage remains the surgery of choice in patients older than 65 years.