Abstract

Severely comminuted olecranon fractures are challenging injuries. Commonly used tension band wiring exerts excessive compressive forces causing olecranon shortening, joint incongruity and humeral trochlea subluxation. We report a retrospective study of 3 patients who underwent surgery for a severely comminuted olecranon fracture, with open reduction and fixation with a bridging rigid locking plate and intercalary tricortical structural iliac bone graft. Joint stability was restored allowing early mobilization and good functional outcome. Patients' mean age was 54 years. Mean follow-up was 23 months (range 19 to 27). Mean time to fusion was 14 weeks (range 11 to 18). Results were excellent/good in all three patients according the Broberg and Morrey scoring system, and Mayo Elbow Performance Index. Mean range of flexion was 115°, with an average loss of 20° of extension. Average pronation was 71°, and supination 80°.