Malpositioned Olecranon Fracture Tension-band Wiring Results in Proximal Radioulnar Synostosis

Overview

Journal Eur J Med Res

Publisher Biomed Central

Specialty General Medicine

Date 2015 Oct 31

PMID 26514829

Citations 4

Authors

Lukas Willinger

Martin Lucke

Moritz Cronlein

Gunther H Sandmann

Peter Biberthaler

Sebastian Siebenlist

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Tension-band wiring (TBW) is a well-established fixation technique for two-part, transverse fracture types of the olecranon. However, complication rates up to 80 % are reported. By reporting on the enormous impact on the patient if failed the aim of the present report was to emphasize the importance of correct K wire positioning in TBW.

Case Presentation: We present the case of a 49-year-old woman who suffered from a radioulnar synostosis of the forearm due to malpositioned K wires after TBW treatment. The patient was treated by heterotopic bone resection supported by ossification prophylaxis (radiotherapy and Indomethacin). At follow-up of 12 months after revision surgery, elbow motion was unrestricted with a strength grade 5/5. The patient was free of pain and reported no restrictions in daily as well as sporting activities. Radiologic assessment showed no recurrence of heterotopic bone tissue.

Conclusion: Intraoperative radiographic and clinical examination of the elbow is highly recommended to identify incorrect hardware positioning and, therefore, to avoid serious postoperative complications in TBW.

Citing Articles

Comparison of all suture fixation with tension band wiring and plate fixation of the olecranon.

Phadnis J, Vaughan A, Luokkala T, Peters J, Watson J, Watts A Shoulder Elbow. 2020; 12(6):414-421.

PMID: 33281946 PMC: 7689611. DOI: 10.1177/1758573219831662.

Application of a novel shape-memory alloy concentrator in displaced olecranon fractures: a report of the technique and mid-term clinical results.

Xia D, Zhou P, Li L, Xia Y, Hao Z, Zhang Y J Orthop Surg Res. 2020; 15(1):453.

PMID: 33008473 PMC: 7531136. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-020-01982-2.

Fractures of the proximal ulna: current concepts in surgical management.

Siebenlist S, Buchholz A, Braun K EFORT Open Rev. 2019; 4(1):1-9.

PMID: 30800474 PMC: 6362340. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.4.180022.

Use of an Additional Nonlocking Screw in Olecranon Fracture Osteosynthesis Changes Failure Mechanism.

Mehta S, Chin M, Sanville J, Namdari S, Hast M Orthopedics. 2018; 42(1):e74-e80.

PMID: 30484851 PMC: 7410497. DOI: 10.3928/01477447-20181120-01.

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