Olecranon Nonunion after Operative Treatment of Fracture.
10.12671/jkfs.2015.28.1.30
- Author:
Ho Jung KANG
1
;
Ji Sup KIM
;
Myung Ho SHIN
;
Il Hyun KOH
;
Yun Rak CHOI
Author Information
1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. kkimjsno1@naver.com
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Olecranon;
Nonunion
- MeSH:
Arm;
Bone Transplantation;
Elbow;
Follow-Up Studies;
Hand;
Humans;
Joints;
Olecranon Process*;
Range of Motion, Articular;
Retrospective Studies;
Shoulder;
Ulnar Nerve
- From:Journal of the Korean Fracture Society
2015;28(1):30-37
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: Olecranon nonunion after surgical management is relatively rare, but it leads to limitation of motion of joint or instability. This retrospective study was conducted in order to analyze the cause and result of treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 11 cases treated for nonunion of olecranon fractures. Nonunion was classified according to the spot of the lesion and the extent of articular surface damage. Evaluation was performed using Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS), Oxford elbow score (OES), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores, and the range of motion. RESULTS: According to the spot of the lesion and the extent of articular surface damage, nonunion was categorized as IA (2 cases), IIA (5 cases), and IIIA (4 cases). One case of IA underwent nonunion fragment excision and the remaining cases were treated by bone grafting. A plate was used in seven cases and the other three cases had both plate and tension band wiring fixation. All nonunions finally became union. The 11 patients with one year follow-up had average MEPS of 87.7 points (range: 60-100 points), average OES of 43.2, and average DASH score of 18.8 points. Complications included limitation of motion (2 cases) and ulnar nerve symptoms (3 cases). CONCLUSION: Bone grafting and fixation by plate may be beneficial. In addition, excision can be useful in type I.
