Hook plate fixation and tension band wiring in the treatment of Mayo type II olecranon fractures.

BACKGROUND

Olecranon fractures account for 8 ∼ 10% of all elbow fractures and usually require surgical intervention. Tension band wiring (TBW) is considered as the standard treatment while it is associated with high re-operation rates.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to compare the functional outcomes, complications and re-operations of hook plate fixation (HPF) versus TBW in treating Mayo Type II olecranon fractures.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conduct at Beijing Jishuitan Hospital. Medical records from May 2020 to April 2021 were reviewed. Functional outcomes, complications, and re-operations were assessed during the follow-up.

RESULTS

A total number of 62 patients were included, with a number of 27 undergoing HPF and 35 receiving TBW. The HPF group and the TBW group achieved similar range of motion (ROM), the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores (P > 0.05). The HPF group had a significantly lower re-operation rate (44.4% vs. 80.0%, P < 0.01) comparing to the TBW group.

CONCLUSION

Hook plate fixation can be considered as a viable alternative to tension band wiring, offering similar functional outcomes and complication rates but significantly lower re-operation rates.