Outcome of Open Reduction and Internal Fixation With Percutaneously Placed K-wires and Absorbable Tension-band Sutures for Displaced Olecranon Fractures in Children: A Prospective Study

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to review our experience with consecutive case series of 7 patients of displaced olecranon fractures in children by open reduction and internal fixation with percutaneously placed removable Kirschner (K)-wires and absorbable tension-band sutures. All displaced transverse or oblique intra-articular olecranon fractures with at least 2 mm of displacement on initial radiographs are included in the present study. Surgery was performed 3 to 7 days after the injury. Open reduction and internal fixation was done with percutaneously placed removable K-wires and absorbable tension-band sutures (Vicryl no. 2). In follow-up radiographs, development of any complications such as loss of reduction and growth arrest is recorded. The K-wires are removed routinely at 4 weeks after surgery under local anesthesia, and range-of-motion exercise is begun. The minimal follow-up duration is 24 months, and average follow-up duration is 30 months (range, 24 to 36 mo). At follow-up visits, outcome of patients are evaluated clinically and radiologically according to criteria by Gicquel and colleagues. The global clinicoradiologic score according to Gicquel and colleagues was excellent in all patients. No complication such as infections, loss of reduction, or growth arrest was noted. We recommend this technique to be used in displaced transverse or oblique fractures of the olecranon in children.