Pinning technique for shoulder fractures in adolescents: computer modelling of percutaneous pinning of proximal humeral fractures

Background

In the technique of percuatenous pinning of proximal humerus fractures, the appropriate entry site and trajectory of pins is unknown, especially in the adolescent population. We sought to determine the ideal entry site and trajectory of pins.

Methods

We used magnetic resonance images of nonfractured shoulders in conjunction with radiographs of shoulder fractures that were treated with closed reduction and pinning to construct 3-dimensional computer-generated models. We used engineering software to determine the ideal location of pins. We also conducted a literature review.

Results

The nonfractured adolescent shoulder has an articular surface diameter of 41.3 mm, articular surface thickness of 17.4 mm and neck shaft angle of 36°. Although adolescents and adults have relatively similar shoulder skeletal anatomy, they suffer different types of fractures. In our study, 14 of 16 adolescents suffered Salter–Harris type II fractures. The ideal location for the lateral 2 pins in an anatomically reduced shoulder fracture is 4.4 cm and 8.0 cm from the proximal part of the humeral head directed at 21.2° in the coronal plane relative to the humeral shaft.

Conclusion

Operative management of proximal humerus fractures in adolescents requires knowledge distinct from that required for adult patients. This is the first study to examine the anatomy of the nonfractured proximal humerus in adolescents. This is also the first study to attempt to model the positioning of percutaneous proximal humerus pins.     

Closed retrograde multiple intramedullary Kirschner wires fixation for humeral shaft fractures with the limb flexed over an articulated support

Objective

To evaluate the results of multiple closed intramedullary Kirschner wiring via a supracondylar entry point for humeral shaft fractures.

Patients and methods

The charts of 37 patients with humeral shaft fractures treated with the Hackethal''s technique between January 2007 and December 2011 were reviewed retrospectively. The operation was performed with the patient lying in supine (n = 22) or lateral (n = 15) position. The elbow was flexed over an articulated support with the arm kept in a vertical position. Thirty-three patients were available for final evaluation with a mean follow-up delay of 14 (range, 6–24) months. We were concerned about fracture union, range of motion of the shoulder and the elbow, and complications. Final evaluation used the criteria by Qidwai.

Results

Bone union rate was 94%. Restriction of ranges of motion of the shoulder more than 20° was noticed in two patients due to protruding wires. Three patients developed limitation of elbow extension owing to backing out of the wires. The overall results were excellent (n = 26; 79%), good (n = 4; 12%), and poor (n = 3; 9%).

Conclusion

Closed Hackethal''s technique using K-wires gives satisfactory results in terms of bone union and elbow and shoulder function in selected humeral shaft fractures. The articulated support precludes the transolecranon traction.     

Complications and Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Plating for Proximal Humeral Fractures

Background

The minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique using periarticular locking plates may be a good option for the repair of displaced proximal humeral fractures. However, axillary nerve complications related to this technique may be underestimated. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of the minimally invasive plating, focusing on the complications.

Methods

The records of 21 consecutive patients treated for proximal humerus fractures using the MIPO technique with locking plates were retrospectively reviewed. These patients were treated between March 2009 and March 2011 with a minimum one-year follow-up. The clinical function, complications, and radiological bony union were evaluated.

Results

All of the patients, with one exception, showed at least 90 degrees of flexion and abduction at the shoulder joint six months postoperatively. The average Constant scores at three months, six months, and one year follow-ups were 74.0 (range, 62 to 90), 79.4 (range, 64 to 91), and 82.7 (range, 66 to 92), respectively. All of the patients achieved bony union within the average of 3.2 months (range, 2 to 6 months). There was one case of delayed union, one case of intra-articular screw penetration, and one case of axillary nerve paresis (incomplete injury), which did not completely recover during the one year of follow-up.

Conclusions

The MIPO technique using periarticular locking plates is a useful option for the treatment of selected cases of displaced proximal humeral fractures. However, nerve complications such as axillary nerve paresis should be considered along with implant-related complications when choosing patients for minimally invasive plating.     

Functional outcome following proximal humeral interlocking system plating for displaced proximal humeral fractures

Aim:

To assess the functional outcome following internal fixation with the PHILOS (proximal humeral interlocking system) for displaced proximal humeral fractures.

Patients and Methods:

We reviewed 30 consecutive patients treated surgically with the proximal humeral locking plate for a displaced proximal humeral fracture. Functional outcome was determined using the American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) score and Constant Murley score.

Results:

Average age of the patients was 58 years (range, 19-92 years). The average overall ASES score was 66.5. The average overall Constant score was 57.5.

Conclusion:

Our results show that good fracture stability was achieved, and the functional outcome was very good in younger patients and it declined with increasing age. Early mobilization of the shoulder can be achieved without compromising fracture union.     

Conversion of Stemmed Hemi- or Total to Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty: Advantages of a Modular Stem Design

Background

If revision of a failed anatomic hemiarthroplasty or total shoulder arthroplasty is uncertain to preserve or restore satisfactory rotator cuff function, conversion to a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty has become the preferred treatment, at least for elderly patients. However, revision of a well-fixed humeral stem has the potential risk of loss of humeral bone stock, nerve injury, periprosthetic fracture, and malunion or nonunion of a humeral osteotomy with later humeral component loosening.

Questions/purposes

The purposes of this study were to determine whether preservation of a modular stem is associated with (1) less blood loss and operative time; (2) fewer perioperative and postoperative complications, including reoperations and revisions; and/or (3) improved Constant and Murley scores and subjective shoulder values for conversion to a reverse total shoulder arthroplasty compared with stem revision.

Methods

Between 2005 and 2011, 48 hemiarthroplasties and eight total shoulder arthroplasties (total = 56 shoulders; 54 patients) were converted to an Anatomical™ reverse total shoulder arthroplasty system without (n = 13) or with (n = 43) stem exchange. Complications and revisions for all patients were tallied through review of medical and surgical records. The outcomes scores included the Constant and Murley score and the subjective shoulder value. Complete clinical followup was available on 80% of shoulders (43 patients; 45 of 56 procedures, 32 with and 13 without stem exchange) at a minimum of 12 months (mean, 37 months; range, 12–83 months).

Results

Blood loss averaged 485 mL (range, 300–700 mL; SD, 151 mL) and surgical time averaged 118 minutes (range, 90–160 minutes; SD, 21 minutes) without stem exchange and 831 mL (range, 350–2000 mL; SD, 400 mL) and 176 minutes (range, 120–300 minutes; SD, 42 minutes) with stem exchange (p = 0.001). Intraoperative complications (8% versus 30%; odds ratio [OR], 5.2) and reinterventions (8% versus 14%; OR, 1.9) were substantially fewer in patients without stem exchange. The complication rate leading to dropout from the study was substantial in the stem revision group (six patients; 43 shoulders [14%]), but there were no complication-related dropouts in the stem-retaining group. If, however, such complications could be avoided, with the numbers available we detected no difference in the functional outcome between the two groups.

Conclusions

Patients undergoing revision of stemmed hemiarthroplasty or total to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty without stem exchange had less intraoperative blood loss and operative time, fewer intraoperative complications, and fewer revisions than did patients whose index revision procedures included a full stem exchange. Therefore modularity of a shoulder arthroplasty system has substantial advantages if conversion to reverse total shoulder arthroplasty becomes necessary and should be considered as prerequisite for stemmed shoulder arthroplasty systems.

Level of Evidence

Level III, therapeutic study.     

Dual Locking Plate Osteosynthesis for 3- or 4-Part Proximal Humeral Fractures Combined with Multiple Fractures of the Greater Tuberosity

BackgroundThis retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of dual locking plate osteosynthesis for treating 3- or 4-part proximal humeral fractures combined with multiple fractures of the greater tuberosity.MethodsFrom January 2012 to December 2018, 19 skeletally mature patients, who suffered 3- or 4-part proximal humeral fractures combined with multiple fractures of the greater tuberosity, were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using a dual locking plate technique through a delto-pectoral approach. Indexes for evaluation included fracture healing, quality of reduction, and incidence of complications (infections, screw perforation into the glenohumeral joint, subacromial impingement, hardware failure, avascular necrosis, and loss of reduction). Shoulder function was evaluated using Constant–Murley scoring.ResultsThe patients were assessed at a mean time of 25.3 months after surgery. Union of fractures was radiographically confirmed for all 19 patients. The mean Constant–Murley patient score was 85.2 points, and complications were identified in two patients during follow-up evaluations.ConclusionsThe method of using dual locking plate osteosynthesis through a delto-pectoral approach resulted in a satisfactory union rate, excellent fracture reduction, low complication rate and good shoulder function for patients with complex proximal humeral fractures. The method is effective for treating 3- or 4-part proximal humeral fractures combined with multiple fractures of the greater tuberosity.     

Mid-term results of internal fixation of proximal humeral fractures with the Philos plate

Objective

To report our experience from the use of the Philos^® plate for the treatment of three- and four-part proximal humeral fractures and to investigate factors influencing the final outcome.

Materials and methods

Between April 2005 and September 2007, 29 Philos plates were implanted in 17 women and 12 men, with a mean age of 62.3 years (range: 28–80 years). Positioning of the plate was performed under fluoroscopic control, through a deltopectoral approach and with the patient in the beach chair position. 27 patients were available for follow-up (mean: 17.9 months; range: 12–39). Follow-up included plain shoulder radiographs and functional assessment with Constant–Murley score.

Results

Healing of the fracture occurred uneventfully within 6 months. In three patients, humeral head collapsed due to aseptic necrosis after fracture healing and the plate had to be removed in two cases. In one patient, fracture healing occurred in >10° varus displacement. The clinical result according to the Constant–Murley score was 86 points (range: 58–112).

Conclusions

Internal fixation with the Philos plate seems to be a reliable option in the operative treatment of upper end humeral fractures, especially in osteoporotic bone. It allows secure fracture fixation and quick shoulder mobilisation, while quick and uneventful fracture healing and very satisfactory clinical results are achieved.     

Management of fractures of the distal third tibia by minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis – A prospective series of 50 patients

Background

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) is an established technique for fixation of fractures of the distal third tibia. Our study aimed to manage intra articular and extraarticular fractures of the distal third tibia by the minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis technique and follow them prospectively. Clinical and radiological outcomes were studied and clinical indications & efficacy of the procedure reviewed. Though many studies on the subject have been done previously, these have been retrospective reviews or small series.

Methods

From May 2010 to May 2013, 50 patients of closed distal tibial fractures were operated by MIPO technique with a distal tibial anatomical locking plate having 4.5/5 proximal and 3.5/4 distal screw holes. The follow up duration was for 3 years.

Results

The mean fracture healing time was 21.4 weeks (range 16–32 weeks) and average AOFAS score 95.06 was out of a total possible 100 points. At last follow up, superficial infection occurred in 5 patients (10%); deep infection, implant failure and malunion in 1-patient each (2%).

Conclusion

MIPO technique provides good, though slightly delayed bone healing and decreases incidence of nonunion and need for bone grafting. This technique should be used in distal tibia fractures where locked nailing cannot be done like fractures with small distal metaphyseal fragments, vertical splits, markedly comminuted fractures and in fractures with intra-articular extension.     

Evaluation of proximal femoral locking plate in unstable extracapsular proximal femoral fractures: Surgical technique & mid term follow up results

Background

Stable trochanteric femur fractures can be treated successfully with conventional implants such as sliding hip screw, cephalomedullary nails, angular blade plates. However comminuted and unstable inter or subtrochanteric fractures with or without osteoporosis are challenging & prone to complications. The PF-LCP is a new implant that allows angular stability by creating fixed angle block for treatment of complex, comminuted proximal femoral fractures.

Method

We reviewed 30 patients with unstable inter or subtrochanteric fractures, which were stabilized with PF-LCP. Mean age of patient was 65 years, and average operative time was 80 min. Patients were followed up for a period of 3 years (June 2010–June 2013). Patients were examined regularly at 3 weekly interval for signs of union (radiological & clinical), varus collapse (neck-shaft angle), limb shortening, and hardware failure.

Result

All patients showed signs of union at an average of 9 weeks (8–10 weeks), with minimum varus collapse (<10°), & no limb shortening and hardware failure. Results were analysed using IOWA (Larson) hip scoring. Average IOWA hip score was 77.5.

Conclusion

PF-LCP represents a feasible alternative for treatment of unstable inter- or subtrochanteric fractures.     

Percutaneous Distraction Pinning for Metacarpophalangeal Joint Stabilization After Blast or Crush Injuries of the Hand

Background

Unstable, severely comminuted fractures of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joint are difficult to treat. Closed treatment and casting of these fractures often fail to maintain proper alignment and impede wound care where concomitant open injuries such as gunshot wounds are present. Conventional pinning or plating techniques are not feasible if extensive bone loss and comminution are present. A distraction pinning technique represents a potential alternative, but results with this approach, to our knowledge, have not been reported.

Questions/purposes

The purposes of this study were (1) to evaluate the effectiveness (defined as osseous union and joint stability) of distraction pinning for comminuted fractures involving MCP joints after gunshot or crush injuries; (2) to report the short-term results in terms of pain and function in a small group of patients who underwent MCP distraction pinning; and (3) to evaluate complications and return to work status of these patients in the short term.

Methods

We reviewed 10 patients with comminuted pilon-type fractures of the base of the proximal phalanx or metacarpal head treated with wire distraction fixation from 2005 and 2014. During that period, we used this technique to treat all patients whose fractures were deemed too comminuted for plating or pinning, and during that period, no other techniques (such as simple external fixation) were used for patients meeting those indications. The minimum followup was 6 months; eight of the 10 patients were accounted at a median of 10 months (range, 6–89 months). The median age was 47 years (range, 28–57 years), and seven of the eight were male. Kirschner wire fixation frames were removed 3.5 to 6 weeks after the index surgery when fracture consolidation was confirmed on radiography by the treating surgeon. Stability and range of motion of the MCP joint were assessed using physical examination, radiographs, and goniometer by the treating surgeon. Patients completed the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score at latest followup or by telephone, and complications were assessed by chart review.

Results

All fractures were healed with stable MCP joints. Eight patients reported having no pain or minimal pain of their injuries to the hand. The median finger and thumb MCP arc of motion were 80° (range, 70°–105°) and 30° (range, 0°–60°), respectively. The median Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 3 (range, 0–41). One patient underwent a second surgical procedure for bone grafting and soft tissue coverage. Three patients developed pin site irritations and were treated with oral antibiotics. Six patients returned to their original job.

Conclusions

The distraction pinning technique provides reliable osseous union and joint stability of comminuted pilon-type fractures of the base of the proximal phalanx or metacarpal head, even with associated open wounds. Future studies will need to evaluate these patients at longer term followup and compare this approach with other available techniques, because arthrosis, stiffness, and progressive loss of function seem likely to occur given the severity of these injuries.

Level of Evidence

Level IV, therapeutic study.     

Routine use of locking shaft screws is not necessary in volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures

Hypothesis

Volar locking plate fixation is a common treatment method for distal radius fractures. Recently, implants have been designed with an option to use locking screws in the shaft portion of the plate. While there is a high incidence of low bone mineral density in patients who sustain fragility fractures of the distal radius, the need for locking shaft screws is not well defined. Our hypothesis is that the routine use of locking screws in the shaft portion of volar plates is not required to maintain reduction or to prevent hardware failure.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed in all patients over age 50 years who underwent volar plate fixation using an implant with non-locking shaft screws for a distal radius fracture during a 2-year period. Patients were permitted to perform early range of motion exercises. Radiographs were examined and measurements were obtained to assess maintenance of reduction and incidence of hardware failure. Patients were followed at least until fracture healing. Patients were excluded from analysis if locking shaft screws were utilized or if follow-up was inadequate.

Results

Forty-one patients met the inclusion criteria. The average age was 62 years (range 50–79). There were 12 men and 29 women. The implant used incorporated 3.5-mm shaft screws in 26 patients and 2.4-mm shaft screws in 15 patients. All patients healed within acceptable radiographic parameters (mean volar tilt = 4.9°, mean radial inclination = 21.7°, mean radial height = 11.6 mm). There were not any instances of hardware failure.

Discussion

Distal radius fractures frequently occur in patients with low bone mineral density. Non-locking, bicortically placed shaft screws provide adequate stability to allow for early range of motion without loss of reduction or hardware failure. The routine use of locking screws in the shaft portion of volar plates does not appear justified.     

Functional outcome after proximal humeral fractures treated with hemiarthroplasty

Objective

To evaluate functional outcome after hemiarthroplasty for displaced proximal humeral fractures and to review whether prosthesis type, intraoperative technique or previous ipsilateral shoulder surgery could affect the outcome.

Methods

We reviewed the medical records and radiographs of patients who had undergone hemiarthroplasty for proximal humeral fractures between 1992 and 2000. We identified 45 patients, 39 with acute fractures and 6 with fracture-related complications. One surgeon performed 17 surgeries (38%), and the rest were carried out by 11 other orthopedic surgeons. Using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Evaluation Form and the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index, we evaluated patients who had been followed for at least 2 years for residual shoulder pain, range of motion, strength, stability and function. The senior authors reviewed the radiographs.

Results

The mean age of the patients at presentation was 70 (range 46–95) years. The mean active forward elevation was 87°, abduction 63° and external rotation 22°; the mean internal rotation was to the L2 vertebra. Of the patients, 15% reported severe pain, and 25% were unable to sleep on the affected side. Patients with previous surgeries and those with intraoperative cuff tears were found to have more postoperative pain.

Conclusion

We conclude that soft tissue status and operative technique play an important role in late postoperative pain and range of motion. Hemiarthroplasty after failed open reduction and internal fixation is associated with inferior results. We were unable to show a difference in long-term outcome related to the prosthesis type.     

Tibial fractures in children: A retrospective 27-year follow-up study

Background

Tibial fracture is the third most common long-bone fracture in children. Traditionally, most tibial fractures in children have been treated non-operatively, but there are no long-term results.

Methods

94 children (64 boys) were treated for a tibial fracture in Aurora City Hospital during the period 1980–89 but 20 could not be included in the study. 58 of the remaining 74 patients returned a written questionnaire and 45 attended a follow-up examination at mean 27 (23–32) years after the fracture.

Results

89 children had been treated by manipulation under anesthesia and cast-immobilization, 4 by skeletal traction, and 1 with pin fixation. 41 fractures had been re-manipulated. The mean length of hospital stay was 5 (1–26) days. Primary complications were recorded in 5 children. The childrens’ memories of treatment were positive in two-thirds of cases. The mean subjective VAS score (range 0–10) for function appearance was 9. Leg-length discrepancy (5–10 mm) was found clinically in 10 of 45 subjects and rotational deformities exceeding 20° in 4. None of the subjects walked with a limp. None had axial malalignment exceeding 10°. Osteoarthritis of the hip and/or knee was seen in radiographs from 2 subjects.

Interpretation

The long-term outcome of tibial fractures in children treated non-operatively is generally good.Tibial fractures are among the most common long-bone fractures in children (Shannak 1988, Landin 1997, Mäyränpää et al. 2010). Primary complications such as vascular or nerve injuries or compartment syndrome are rare. Secondary complications include malunion and premature physeal closure in fractures extending to physis.Operative treatment has recently gained popularity, although most uncomplicated tibial fractures can be safely treated with closed reduction and cast-immobilization (Setter and Palomino 2006, Heinrich and Mooney 2010). There have been very few reports on the long-term results of tibial fracture treatment in children.Here we present long-term outcomes in children (< 15 years of age) who were treated for a tibial fracture in Aurora City Hospital, Helsinki during the period 1980–89. Aurora City Hospital was the primary treatment center for fractures in children in Helsinki during the study period.     

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for humerus diaphyseal fractures

Background:

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique is reported as a satisfactory procedure for the treatment of humeral shaft fractures by the anterior approach by several authors. However, none of the published reports had a significant follow-up nor have they reported patient outcomes. We evaluated the clinical, radiographic, and functional outcome over a minimum follow-up of 2 years using the same MIPO technique to humeral shaft fracture.

Materials and Methods:

32 adult patients with diaphyseal fractures of the humerus treated with MIPO between June 2007 and October 2008 were included in the study. Patients with metabolic bone disease, polytrauma, and Gustilo and Anderson type 3 open fractures with injury severity score >16 were excluded from the study. All cases were treated with closed indirect reduction and locking plate fixation using the MIPO technique. The surgery time, radiation exposure, and time for union was noted. The shoulder and elbow function was assessed using the UCLA shoulder and Mayo elbow performance scores, respectively.

Results:

Of the 32 patients in the study, 19 were males and 13 were females. The mean age was 39 years (range: 22–70 years). Twenty-seven of the thirty-two patients (84.3%) had the dominant side fractured. We had eight cases of C2 type; five cases of C1 and A2 type; four cases of B2 type; three cases each of B3, B1, and A1 type; and one case of A3 type of fracture. The mean surgical time was 91.5 minutes (range: 70–120 minutes) and mean radiation exposure was 160.3 seconds (range: 100–220 seconds). The mean radiological fracture union time was 12.9 weeks (range: 10–20 weeks). Shoulder function was excellent in 27 cases (84.3%) and good in remaining 5 cases (15.6%) on the UCLA score. Elbow function was excellent in 26 cases (81.2%), good in 5 cases (15.6%), and fair in 1 case (3.1%) who had an associated olecranon fracture that was fixed by tension band wire in the same sitting.

Conclusion:

MIPO of the humerus gives good functional and cosmetic results and should be considered one of the management options in the treatment of humeral diaphyseal fractures.     

Caput valgum associated with developmental dysplasia of the hip: management by transphyseal screw fixation

Purpose

A late finding of some hips treated for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a growth disturbance of the lateral proximal femoral physis, which results in caput valgum and possibly osteoarthritis. Current treatment options include complete epiphysiodesis of the proximal femoral physis or a corrective proximal femoral osteotomy. Alternatively, a transphyseal screw through the inferomedial proximal femoral physis that preserves superolateral growth might improve this deformity.

Methods

This study evaluates the effect of such a transphyseal screw on both femoral and acetabular development in patients with caput valgum following open treatment of DDH. These patients were followed clinically and radiographically until skeletal maturity. Preoperative and postoperative radiographs were assessed, measuring the proximal femoral physeal orientation (PFPO), the head–shaft angle (HSA), Sharp’s angle and the center edge angle of Wiberg (CE angle).

Results

Thirteen hips of 11 consecutive patients were followed prospectively. The age at the time of transphyseal screw placement was between 5 and 14 years. The mean improvement of the PFPO and HSA was 14° (p < 0.01) and 11° (p < 0.001), respectively. The mean improvement of Sharp’s angle and CE angle was 4.7° (p < 0.01) and 5.8° (p < 0.02), respectively. Five patients underwent screw revision.

Conclusions

A transphyseal screw across the proximal femoral physis improved the proximal femur and acetabular geometry.     

Complication rates and reduction potential of palmar versus dorsal locking plate osteosynthesis for the treatment of distal radius fractures

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the complication rates of volar versus dorsal locking plates and postoperative reduction potential after distal radius fractures.

Materials and methods

For this study 285 distal radius fractures (280 patients/59.4 % female) treated with locked plating were retrospectively evaluated. The mean age of the patients was 54.6 years (SD 17.4) and the mean follow-up was 33.2 months (SD 17.2). The palmar approach was used in 225 cases and the dorsal approach in 60 cases (95 % type C fractures).

Results

Adequate reduction was achieved with both approaches, regardless of fracture severity. In the dorsal group, the complications and implant removal rates were significantly higher and the operative time was also longer.

Conclusions

Based on these facts, we advocate the palmar locking plate for the vast majority of fractures. In cases of complex multifragmentary articular fractures where no compromise in reduction is acceptable, and with the biomechanical equality of palmar and dorsal plating remaining unproven, dorsal plating may still be considered.

Level of evidence

Therapeutic level IV.     

Tension plate for treatment of olecranon fractures: new surgical technique and case series study

Background

Our aim was to determine the effectiveness of a new surgical technique for olecranon fractures using a tension plate (TP) designed by the operating surgeon.

Methods

We included patients with olecranon fractures treated between September 2010 and August 2013 in our study. Treatment involved a new implant and operative technique, which combined the most favourable characteristics of 2 frequently used methods, tension band wiring and plate osteosynthesis, while eliminating their shortcomings. The new method was based on the newly constructed implant.

Results

Twenty patients participated in our study. We obtained the following functional results with our TP: median flexion 147.5° (interquartile range [IQR] 130°–155°), median extension 135°/deficit 10° (IQR 135°–145°), median pronation 90° (IQR 81.3°–90°), median supination 90° (IQR 80°–90°). Implant-related complications were noted in 1 patient, and implants were removed in 3 patients. The mean functional Mayo elbow performance score was 94.8 (range 65–100). The removal of the implant was considerably less frequent in patients operated using the new method and implant than in patients operated using conventional methods at our institution (p < 0.001). Mean duration of follow-up was 8 months.

Conclusion

Our TP for the treatment of olecranon fractures is safe and effective. Functional results are very good, with significantly decreased postoperative inconveniences and need to remove the implant. Less osteosynthetic material was used for TP construction, but stability was preserved.