Low Complication Rates in Olecranon Fracture Fixation With Dual Plating

Most olecranon fractures are intra-articular, affecting the extensor mechanism of the elbow, and are treated surgically with dorsal plate fixation or tension band. Due to shortcomings of dorsal plates related to prominence, insufficient fixation of sagittal fracture lines, and difficulty matching proximal ulna dorsal angulation (PUDA), dual medial and lateral plating (DP) has been developed. We hypothesized that olecranon fractures treated with DP would have low complication rates and low incidence of hardware removal compared with those treated with traditional methods of fixation.

The database of a single institution was reviewed for the period January 2017 to April 2023 for adults with olecranon fractures receiving DP fixation. Open fractures, fracture dislocations, previous elbow injuries, and pathologic fractures were excluded. Demographics, pre- and postoperative imaging, reoperations, and range of motion were collected. PUDA and varus angulation measurements, intra-articular step off, and fracture distraction were recorded.

A total of 42 fractures in 41 patients were reviewed. Mean follow-up was 8.7 months (range, 3-36 months). One patient reported symptomatic hardware at 6 weeks that had resolved by 3 months, and 1 reported persistent symptomatic hardware not bothersome enough to warrant removal. Five patients (11.9%) had at least 1 postoperative complication. The hardware removal rate was 2.4%.

DP for olecranon fractures represents a valuable strategy in fracture treatment. We report a low hardware removal rate of 2.4%, with removal being done for infection, not symptomatic hardware. DP provides a reliable method of fixation, helps re-create native anatomy, and has a low complication rate compared with standard dorsal plating. [Orthopedics. 2025;48(1):30-36.].