Olecranon fractures: An old fixation device for a new surgical technique

Internal fixation in not-comminuted oblique and transverse olecranon fractures is commonly performed with tension band wiring. However, despite its high healing rate, this technique is associated with a high rate of complications, often requiring the removal of fixation devices in up to 80 % of cases. The aim of our study was to describe a surgical technique using eyelet pins that maintains the effectiveness of the classic tension band wiring while reducing intolerance or displacement of the fixation devices.

Fifteen patients with surgically treated Mayo type II A or II B olecranon fractures, meeting the inclusion criteria, were enrolled. Clinical and functional assessments were conducted using MEPS and DASH scores at the 12 month follow-up. Additionally, complications and the duration of the operation were documented.

Fifteen patients were enrolled, with eight having type II A and seven having type II B olecranon fractures. The mean patient age was 46.8 years, including ten males and five females. Nine cases involved the right side, while six involved the left. At the 12-month follow-up, the mean MEPS score was 98/100, and the DASH score was 9. Two patients (13.3 %) experienced superficial wound infections, and two (13.3 %) had persistent pain at the triceps tendon insertion site. No cases required removal of fixation devices.

The eyelet pin system was found to be a safe and effective method for reducing and fixing olecranon fractures. Based on a limited series, this new technique exhibits the same reliability and reproducibility as tension band wiring but with a lower rate of complications.