Loop Anchor Tension Band Fixation for Olecranon Fractures and Chevron Olecranon Osteotomy.

Abstract

Although tension band wiring is effective for treating olecranon fractures, it is associated with a high reoperation rate because of hardware-related problems. The loop anchor tension band technique is a novel modification of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO)-modified tension band wiring technique. This technique is suitable for treating olecranon fractures without severe comminution and olecranon osteotomy. In the current case series, 2 intramedullary 1.25-mm Kirschner wires (K wires) were inserted as temporary fixation into the ulnar shaft from the olecranon after anatomical reduction. The proximal end of each K-wire was bent into a loop shape and advanced deep into the triceps tendon. A transverse hole was drilled distal to the fracture site, and a 1.0-mm metal wire was passed through the bone tunnel and the loops. The wire was tightened to form a figure-of-eight tension band construct. In total, 10 patients with a mean age of 49 (range: 19 to 85) years were included in this pilot series. The mean and minimum follow-up periods were 13.9 and 12 months, respectively. All fractures achieved favorable union, both radiographically and clinically. The mean QuickDASH score was 15.4 (range: 13.6 to 18.2) and the mean Mayo elbow performance score was 94 (range: 85 to 100). None of the patients experienced K-wire migration. The loop anchor tension band technique is a simple, cost effective modification of conventional tension band wiring and exhibited no implant migration in a pilot series.