Methods of fixation of olecranon fractures. An experimental mechanical study

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Fyfe IS. Mossad MM. Holdsworth BJ. x Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery - British Volume. [JC:hk7] 67(3):367-72, x 1985 May. x This study was designed to compare the rigidity of the more commonly used x techniques of internal fixation of fractures of the olecranon. Cadaveric x elbow joints were mounted in a jig and controlled osteotomies performed to x simulate transverse, oblique or comminuted fractures. Five techniques of x internal fixation were tested by measuring movement at the fracture site x after applying a bending moment to the ulna. At transverse osteotomies x tension-band wiring with two tightening knots allowed least movement even x at high loads. Intramedullary cancellous screw fixation gave erratic x results; adding a tension band with a single know was little better. In x oblique osteotomies, no statistically significant difference was shown x between one-third tubular plate fixation and double-knot wiring. x Comminuted osteotomies were held most rigidly by contoured one-third x tubular plate fixation. x