AO tension band technique in the treatment of olecranon fractures

We evaluated the results of 35 olecranon fractures which were treated with AA tension band technique. The mean follow-up period was 46 months (min. 18 months) and the age average were 36 (18-80), respectively. Nineteen of the fractures were closed, and 16 of them were open. We used Schatzker classification system. According to this system,ıı of the fractures were transverse, 7 of them were transverse-impaction, 10 of them were oblique, 4 of them were comminuted, 2 of them were distal oblique and 1 of them was fracture- dislocation. The mean time between fractures and operation was 6.3 days (range 4 hours to 19 days). Mean time for beginning range of motion exercises was 10.7 days. The evaluation of the cases was based on Murphy's Scoring System which was related to pain, function, range of motion and roentgenogram. Mean score of all cases asta this system, was 17.2. Eighteen (%51) case were excellent, 15 (%43) of them were good, 1 (%3) cases were fair and 1 (%3) case was poor. Overall treatment success rate was %94 (33 cases). Breakage of cerclage wire in 1 (%3) case, migration of K-wire in 4(% 11) cases were complicated. Discomfort due to fixation materials subcutaneously were the most common complications in 7(%20) cases. In 1 case (%3) myositis ossificans has developed. In the other 2 cases (%6) (1 case with comminuted fracture and 1 case with fracture-dislocation) pain, function and mo tion disability were evident. As a result, AA tension-band wiring is a useful technigue in the treatment of transverse, impacted, oblique-distal and open fractures.