Comparison of two surgical techniques for the treatment of transverse olecranon fractures: A finite element study.

BACKGROUND

In this study, we aimed to compare the stability of traditional tension band wiring (TBW) and screw combined TBW (SC-TBW) fixation methods performed for a transverse olecranon osteotomy-fracture during different degrees of elbow movement by using finite element analysis.

METHODS

Three-dimensional solid modeling of the olecranon was obtained by computed tomography images. Transverse olecranon fracture was created and fixed by TBW and SC-TBW with respect to triceps muscle force. Opening angle, twisting angle and interplanar translation occurring on the fracture line were evaluated at 45° and 90° elbow flexion.

RESULTS

Opening angle: 0.71°, 0.87° at 45° and 0.64°, 0.67° at 90° elbow flexion for TBW and SC-TBW, respectively. Twisting angle: -0.01°, -0.19° at 45° flexion and 0.19°, 0.30° at 90° flexion for TBW and SC-TBW, respectively. Interplanar translation: 1.93 mm, 4.65 mm at 45° flexion and 1.78 mm, 3.95 mm at 90° flexion for TBW and SC-TBW, respectively.

CONCLUSION

TBW fixation provides more stability than SC-TBW fixation model.