Netz or Kirschner pins in the treatment of olecranon fractures?

To evaluate problems in connection with Netz or Kirschner pins after internal fixation of olecranon fractures using the tension-absorbing wire technique, 14 men (median age, 60 years), and 32 women (median age, 67 years) were compared. In 21 patients the operation was performed with Netz pins and in 25 patients with Kirschner pins. The fracture healing time did not differ between the two groups. Skin problems due to migration or rotation of the pins were seen in four patients operated with Kirschner pins; since the Netz pins are constructed so as to avoid pin migration, this did not occur with Netz pins. Skin pressure problems, or perforation related to the looped ends of the cerclage wires, were seen in two patients in each group. These complications are not influenced by the type of pins used. In one patient the Netz pins caused further fragmentation of a small bone fragment, due to their relatively wide borehead. Supported by the results in this study, we recommend the Netz pins in the treatment of olecranon fractures when using the tension-absorbing wire technique.