The comparision of orecranon fixationmethods after transolecranon approach in adult patients with distalintra articular humeral fractures

Aim: In this study we have evaluated the functional results of olecranon fixation techniques which we have applied after transolecranon approach on the patients who have comminuted distal intraarticular humeral fractures and the factors affecting the results. Patients and Method: Between January 2010 – March 2015, 37 elbows of 36 patients of 43 were included to the study who had transolecranon approach for distal intraarticular humeral fractures (Type C according to AO/ASIF classification), and followed at least 6 months postoperative period in department of Orthopedics and Traumatology Clinic of University of Gaziantep. It was aimed to evaluate in terms of superiorities to each other and the advantages and disadvantages over the functional results of the patients who were fixed with tension band, which is one of olecranon fixation methods and the patients who were fixed with olecranon plate and those who were fixed with screws. Findings: İmplant removal procedure applied to 4 of 22 patients who had tension band with K wire technique, 3 of 4 patients who had olecranon plate technique, 2 of 11 patients who had cancellous screw fixation technique in 4 – 9 months after initial surgery. We found that 2.6 times less implant removal were needed in tension band and K Wire fixation group than plate fixation group. It was significant different statistically (p=0.042). We found one nonunion in patient fixed by cancellous screw without tension band technique (2.7%). Results: It was concluded that tension band technique with K Wire or cancellous screws leads to less skin problems than the other techniques if applied in principles. Both of the methods can be preferred with tension band technique for improving stability. We did not find significant difference statistically between olecranon fixation methods.