Suture Anchor Fixation of Olecranon Fractures: A Case Series

Abstract

Background Transverse olecranon fractures are commonly fixed using a tension band wiring technique. This technique has a high rate of complications because of the prominent metalwork, frequently resulting in further surgery to remove the hardware. We investigated a new technique using two metal screw in bone anchors double loaded with Orthocord. Methods A tension band suture technique was employed in 22 patients (14 Mayo type IIA fractures and 8 olecranon osteotomies) using two double Orthocord loaded bone anchors in a standardised fashion. Twenty-one patients started mobilisation at 1 week. Patients were followed up until both clinical and radiological union was evident. Any problems with fixation hardware and complications were all recorded. Results The mean time of union was 6.4 weeks (range 5 weeks to 9 weeks). One patient developed an asymptomatic fibrous non-union and 20 achieved complete anatomical union. At a mean of 14.2 months, no patient had developed any hardware problem or required further surgery. Discussion Tension band suturing is a safe, easy and quick technique that avoids the risks associated with other methods of fixation. It provides a comparable union rate without any complications as a result of the hardware. In our series, no patients required further surgery.