• Wanlim Kim, Sunghun Choi, Jun O Yoon, Ho Youn Park, Sun Hwa Kim, and Jin Sam Kim.
• Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Uijeongbu St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, Catholic University, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
• J Hand Surg Am. 2014 Dec 1;39(12):2438-43.

PurposeAlthough tension band wiring (TBW) is generally accepted as standard treatment for olecranon fractures, it has several shortcomings such as loss of reduction, skin irritation, and migration of the K-wires. To overcome these problems and increase fixation stability, we used a rigid fixation technique with double tension band wiring (DTBW). Here, we describe the technique and outcomes of the treatment.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 21patients with olecranon fractures who were treated by DTBW. We evaluated clinical and radiological outcomes by checking the range of motion, loss of reduction, functional scoring, skin complications, and pin migration. There were 15 cases of Mayo type IIA fractures (71%) and 6 of type IIB fractures (29%). The mean follow-up period was 37 months (range, 12-58 mo). We also compared the mechanical stability of DTBW and TBW in a sawbone model using a single cycle load to failure protocol.ResultsAll fractures united without displacement, and no migration of the K-wires was observed during the period of follow-up. Mean loss of elbow extension was 2° (range, 0°-15°) and mean elbow flexion was 134° (range, 125°-140°). The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 94 (range, 70-100). Biomechanical testing revealed greater mechanical strength in the DTBW technique than in the TBW when measured by mean maximum failure load and mean bending moment at failure.ConclusionsDTBW produced good clinical and radiological outcomes and could be an effective option for the treatment of olecranon fractures by providing additional stability through a second TBW. Biomechanical comparison with a control group (TBW) supported the mechanical benefits of DTBW.Type Of Study/Level Of EvidenceTherapeutic IV.Copyright © 2014 American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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