Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers

Intramedullary Cancellous Screw Fixation of Simple Olecranon Fractures

Dec 14, 2019

/

5 min

Olecranon fractures and osteotomies are commonly treated with tension-band wiring or plate-screw fixation, but these methods often lead to symptomatic hardware and revision surgery. This article introduces a novel approach using intramedullary noncannulated long screws to achieve rigid internal fixation, enabling early range of motion.

Technique Innovation

This procedure differs from traditional intramedullary olecranon fixation by utilizing longer screws (commonly found in pelvic fixation sets) to gain endosteal purchase at the isthmus of the ulna, significantly increasing screw pull-out strength.

Advantages

  • Speed and Efficiency: The procedure is quick and requires minimal exposure, reducing anesthetic exposure, blood loss, and tourniquet time.

  • Reduced Hardware Issues: The construct is not palpable subcutaneously, likely reducing symptomatic hardware and revision surgery rates.

Significance and Relevance

This technique offers a potentially superior alternative for simple olecranon fractures by minimizing complications associated with traditional methods. The reduced surgical exposure, faster procedure time, and decreased risk of symptomatic hardware make it a valuable option for orthopedic surgeons. This approach aligns with the broader trend of less invasive, more patient-friendly surgical solutions, making it highly relevant for those involved in orthopedic trauma care and upper extremity surgery.

Colby Oitment, Alex Koziarz, Anthony Bozzo, Herman Johal

More to read