CROSSING SCREWS VERSUS TENSION BAND WIRING FOR TREATMENT OF ISOLATED NONCOMMINUTED OLECRANON FRACTURE

Abstract

Background: Olecranon fractures are one of the most common and severe upper- extremity injuries.
Many methods have been described for fixation of olecranon fractures including the tension
band wiring (TBW) and Crossing Screws. The aim of the present study was to comparing crossing
screws fixation to the gold standard, TBW in treating isolated non-comminuted olecranon fractures
by assessing clinical, radiological and functional results. Patients and Methods: This study
included 18 patients with displaced olecranon fracture Mayo's type IIA were incorporated in an
interventional prospective comparative study.Patients included in this study were divided into two
groups according to the method of treatment. Each of which comprised 9 patients, we kept using the
crossing screws technique for the first 9 patients presented to us before moving to the traditional TBW
technique for the next 9 patients. A detailed history, clinical and radiological assessment were
performed. The functional evaluation of the surgically treated elbow was determined based on the
Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). Results: Time between time between injury and surgery;
Group A was significantly longer as it was distributed as 83.22±24.76 and11.11±3.48 respectively.
Operation time was significantly longer among Group A and length of surgical incision also was
significantly longer in Group A. Time of union was significantly shorter among group. No significant
difference between groups detected. At the end of follow-up, no loss of reduction was observed. Stable
fixation permitted early exercises and excellent and good functional recovery in all patients.
Conclusion: PC or mini-open transcortical crossing screws for simple olecranon fractures provide a
mini-invasive, safe fastening that enables early healing with excellent outcomes.