Abstract
Background
Fractures of the olecranon are relatively uncommon in children and most are non-displaced or minimally displaced. Wire and suture methods have been used to stabilize displaced pediatric olecranon fractures. This study compares differences in the clinical outcome of 15 children either treated with open reduction and screws, tension band suture (TBS), tension band wires (TBW), or plating.
Methods
The treatment consisted of open reduction and internal fixation in 15 cases with a mean of 7.6 years of age. Twelve patients underwent stabilization with K-wires and tension band wires or tension band sutures; one patient, isolated K-wires; one patient, screw fixation; and one patient, plate fixation. At follow-up, clinical and radiological assessments were made according to Murphy score.
Results
At follow-up, 7 patients showed excellent results; 3 patients, good results; 3 patients, fair results; and two patients, poor results. Three patients had an extension deficit of 5°, 2 patients with tension band wires, and one patient with plate. None of the patients had developed non-union.
Conclusions
Open reduction and internal fixation leads to satisfactory results in children with displaced olecranon fractures. The most common cause of unsatisfactory results was loss of motion, although this usually did not prevent good function.
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Arbes, S., Platzer, P. & Vécsei, V. Surgical treatment of olecranon fractures in children. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 22, 209–212 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-011-0824-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-011-0824-8