Does K-wire position in tension band wiring of olecranon fractures affect its complications and removal of metal rate?

BACKGROUND

Despite the recognised complications of migration of wires and soft tissue irritation, tension band wiring (TBW) remains the gold standard for fixation of displaced, minimally comminuted olecranon fractures. There is much variation in placement of the K-wires with current AO guidance stating that each wire should be drilled through the anterior cortex and then backed up by 1 cm. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of K-wire position (intramedullary vs. transcortical) on stability of the construct and significant local complications.

METHODS

All patients who underwent TBW for an isolated olecranon fracture in our trauma unit between 1/1/2009 and 31/12/2011 were included in this retrospective study. Mean follow-up was 14 months (range 5-29 months). Data was gathered from medical records and radiographs. The outcome measured was removal of metal due to complications such as wound problems or proximal migration of wires as standard practice within out trauma unit.

RESULTS

Sixty-three patients met the inclusion criteria. Forty-seven had an intramedullary compared with 16 with transcortical configuration (ratio 3:1). Nine patients (19%) with intramedullary K-wires required removal of metalwork - seven due to prominent metalwork and two with wound infection. Four patients (25%) with transcortical K-wires required removal of metalwork - three due to prominent metalwork and one with failure of metalwork. There was no significant statistical difference between transcortical and intramedullary K-wire placement with regards to complication rates following tension band wiring of an isolated olecranon fracture requiring removal of metal (Chi squared test with Yates' correction p = 0.89).

CONCLUSION

We concluded that we found no difference in complications or metalwork removal rate in the placement of K-wire in tension band wiring for isolated olecranon fracture. We recognise our study was limited by small numbers and is based on the experience of one trauma unit.