Open AccessTension Suture Fixation of Olecranon Fractures
Author(s) -
Joideep Phadnis,
Timothy Eves,
Adam C. Watts
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
jbjs essential surgical techniques
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.686
H-Index - 7
ISSN - 2160-2204
DOI - 10.2106/jbjs.st.20.00042
Subject(s) - medicine , olecranon , fibrous joint , surgery , drill , tension band wiring , fixation (population genetics) , ulna , elbow , materials science , population , environmental health , metallurgy
Mayo type-IIA olecranon fractures are characterized by a transverse or short oblique fracture without articular comminution or ulnohumeral instability. Traditionally, these fractures are treated with a tension-band wiring technique. Despite good rates of fracture union, tension-band wiring is associated with a reoperation rate of 30% to 60%, usually for removal of prominent metalwork. The tension suture technique was developed as an alternative method of fixing Mayo type-IIA fractures using only high-tensile braided nonabsorbable number-2 sutures, with the aim of reducing the reoperation rate associated with tension-band wiring without compromising outcomes. The tension suture technique has subsequently become the only technique we use when treating these fractures.