Olecranon mayo IIA fractures treated with transosseous high strength suture: A series of 29 cases.

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to assess the causes and rates of re-operation in olecranon fractures in adults treated with transosseous suture.

METHODS

We prospectively recruited 29 patients who were treated with this technique between 2010 and 2018. The type of suture used, tourniquet time and surgical time were analyzed for each one. X-rays were taken after 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 6 months, recording complications, causes, rates of re-operation and the final clinical condition.

RESULTS

Median time for ischemia and surgery were 51 (95% CI:48;62) and 45 (95% CI:42;55) minutes respectively. The radiologic studies showed diastasis of the posterior cortex in the X-rays taken after 2 weeks and after 6 weeks in 7 (24,1%) cases. Of these cases, two (6,8%) were no longer followed-up after 6 months. There was only one case of aseptic non-union. Among these cases, two patients (6.8%) required surgical debridement due to acute soft tissue infection. No complication had any clinical impact, maintaining all patients full range of motion and no pain. Osteosynthesis removal was not necessary in any case.

CONCLUSION

Transosseous suture with high strength thread is a valid alternative for treating Mayo IIA olecranon fractures in adult patients, decreasing re-operation rates for implant removal. There may be, in a moderate percentage of cases, radiologic diastasis of the posterior cortex at the fracture site, without causing pain nor limiting mobility LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.