Mid-term outcomes of contoured plating for comminuted fractures of the olecranon

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the mid-term outcomes of contoured plating for comminuted fractures of the olecranon.

Methods: Twenty eight patients were available for analysis. Their mean age was 41 years (range, 25 to 61 years). Associated fractures were of the coronoid process in three, radial head in four, and both in three patients. A plate and screw system was used to stabilize comminuted fractures of the olecranon in all cases. Coronoid fractures were stabilized according to the fracture patterns. Displaced radial head fractures were treated with either mini-screw fixation or radial head replacement. Because of the severity of their fractures, 12 patients underwent primary bone grafting.

Results: Primary stability was achieved in 25 of 28 cases. There were no cases of non-union. The mean time to union was 15 weeks (range, 12-22 weeks). The mean range of flexion of the elbow was from 14° to 125°, with 65° of pronation and 74° of supination. The end results were 6 excellent, 16 good, 4 fair and 2 poor, based on the Broberg and Morrey scale. The excellent plus good rate was 78.6%.

Conclusion: Favorable mid-term outcomes can be achieved by contoured plating of complex, comminuted fractures of the olecranon.