The treatment of the olecranon comminuted fracture by angle stability principle combined with support under the artic-ular surface
10.3760/cma.j.issn.0253-2352.2014.10.004
- VernacularTitle:角稳定钢板结合关节面下支撑治疗关节面粉碎的尺骨鹰嘴骨折
- Author:
Shilong WANG
;
Chaoliang TANG
;
Quan ZHANG
;
Wenjun CHEN
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Olecranon process;
Fractures,bone;
Fractures,comminuted;
Fracture fixation
- From:
Chinese Journal of Orthopaedics
2014;(10):1008-1015
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective To evaluate the treatment effects of the olecranon comminuted fracture by the angle stability prin-ciple combined with support under the articular surface. Methods From November 2008 to June 2012, 13 patients (7 male and 6 female, aged from 20 to 77 years) suffered from olecranon comminuted fracture were treated with Synthes anatomy locking com-pression plate and screws combined with Kirschner wires supporting under the articular surface through the posterior median ap-proach. Fractures occurred in the left elbow in 9 and in the right elbow in 4. According to the Mayo classification, 11 cases were classified as Mayo type IIB and 2 as IIIB. According to the Schatzker-Schmeling classification, 2 fractures were type A2, 9 type C, and 2 type D. One patient with type C fracture also had type I coronoid fracture according to Regan and Morrey classification. The Mayo elbow performance index (MEPI) and the shortened disabilities of the arm shoulder and hand (Quick-DASH) were employed to evaluate the functions. All patients took the satisfaction survey and X-ray during the follow-up. Results All patients were fol-lowed-up for 8 to 41 months. The mean ROM of the elbow joint was 112° (range, 65°-140° ), and the mean rotation angle of the forearm was 170° (range, 150°-180°). The mean score for the MEPI was 96 (range, 85-100), excellent 12, good 1. The mean score for the Quick-DASH was 6.2 (range, 0-16.7). In the satisfaction survey, 8 patients were very satisfied, 4 satisfied, 1 common level. All patients took the X-ray during the follow-up and all of them had achieved fracture union completely with the mean time period as 12.7 weeks (range, 11-24 weeks). No cubitus varus, valgus, and instability were found in all patients. No complication, such as infection, ulnar nerve injuries and etc. was found. Five patients complained about mild discomfort caused by internal fixation at 3 months after surgery. Three of them were diagnosed as joint stiffness because of ROM within 100° . One case in 3 elbow stiffness patients developed osteoarthritis after eight months, but no pain during joint activity. Internal fixation was removed in one case;an-other young patient took the operation for removal of internal fixation and release of medial ligament;the third patient refused oper-ation. Conclusion Angle stability principle (Synthes anatomy locking compression plate and screws) combined with supporting under the articular surface (Kirschner wires) can achieve stable fixation in treating olecranon comminuted fracture. It may realize the early exercise of the elbow joint with excellent clinical results. Therefore, it may be an optional choice in clinical practice.
