Screw with tension band wiring method is an acceptable alternative to pins with tension band wiring in a canine cadaver model of extra-articular olecranon fracture.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the maximum failure load and failure mode among 3 fixation methods for canine olecranon fractures and evaluate the feasibility of replacing the pin and tension band wiring method with screw plus tension band wiring (TBW) methods.

METHODS

18 ulnas from 9 canine cadavers (10.3 to 16.4 kg) were collected and randomly assigned to 3 groups (n = 6) for surgical procedures. Surgical procedures and biomechanical testing were performed from June 14 through October 7, 2024. A transverse ulnar osteotomy was performed immediately proximal to the anconeal process and aligned perpendicularly to the caudal cortex. In group 1, the pin and tension band wiring technique was employed using 2 1.2-mm Kirschner wires and #2 FiberWire. Group 2 applied the screw TBW method using a partially threaded cannulated screw and #2 FiberWire. Group 3 used the screw TBW method but with a fully threaded headless cannulated screw and #2 FiberWire. Biomechanical testing was conducted to apply tensile forces using a universal testing machine.

RESULTS

Maximum failure loads of groups 1 (n = 6), 2 (n = 6), and 3 (n = 6) were 351.3 ± 22.2 N, 345.78 ± 25.6 N, and 326.3 ± 18.2 N, respectively. No significant difference was observed in maximum failure loads among the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that the screw with TBW methods represent viable alternatives for internal fixation in extra-articular transverse olecranon fractures in dogs.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study's results imply that fully threaded headless cannulated screws can be effectively applied to areas under tensile forces.