Olecranon fractures treated with tension band wiring techniques--comparisons among three different configurations.

Retrospective comparisons were conducted among 3 different configurations of tension band wiring techniques for adult olecranon fractures. The follow-up period was at least one year (average 26 months). All 3 configurations achieved high union rates with an average of 3.4 months to achieve union. However, the olecranon screw group or Kirschner wire group had a relatively higher satisfactory rate than the Rush pin group, even though there was no significance in statistics (P > 0.05). Complications were few, and implant migration occurred in the Rush pin or Kirschner wire group. The complications were not difficult to manage. The authors conclude that for olecranon fractures with a large fragment, olecranon screw or Kirschner wire can be chosen. For olecranon fractures with a small fragment, Kirschner wire should be utilized.