• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.49-56
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• 2017

Since the olecranon fractures are caused by relatively low-energy injuries, such as a fall from standing height, they are usually found without comminution. Less commonly they can be developed by high-energy injuries and have severe concomitant comminution or injuries to surrounding structures of the elbow. Because the fracture by nature is intra-articular with the exception of some avulsion-type fracture, a majority of olecranon fractures are usually indicated for surgical treatment. Even if there is minimal displacement, surgical treatment is recommended because there is a possibility of further displacement by the traction force of triceps tendon. The most common type of olecranon fracture is displaced, simple non-comminuted fracture (that is, Mayo type IIA fractures). Although tension band wiring was the most widespread treatment method for these fractures previously, there is some trends toward fixation using locking plates. Primary goal of the surgery is to restore a congruent joint and extensor mechanisms by accurate reduction and stable fixation so that range of motion exercises can be performed. The literature has shown that good clinical outcomes are achieved irrespective of surgical fixation technique. However, since the soft tissue envelope around the elbow is poor and the implants are located at the subcutaneous layer, implant irritation is still the most common complication associated with surgical treatment.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.378-383
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• 2022

A 3-year-old, 24-kg intact female Border Collie was referred for a toe-touch weight-bearing stance, intermittent weight-bearing lameness, and moderate pain reaction of the right forelimb on physical examination and right humerus olecranon avulsion fracture on diagnostic imaging examination. Surgical repair was performed using tension band wiring to re-attach the triceps tendon and distal olecranon. Migration of the distal olecranon fragment was observed due to comminuted fracture of the fragment 5-days after surgery, and revision surgery was performed. The tension-relieving sutures were passed through the pre-drilled hole in the olecranon, and the polyester mesh was augmented to the suture region, covering the triceps tendon and olecranon drilling hole using the Krackow suture pattern. The elbow joint was immobilized using a type IA transarticular external fixator, which was removed 8 weeks after surgery. Fourteen weeks after surgery, no lameness was observed on gait evaluation. At follow-up after 7 months, the distal olecranon fragment had stabilized, and no lameness was observed.

• The Academic Congress of Korean Shoulder and Elbow Society
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• 2007.03a
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• pp.175-175
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• 2007

• Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.65-68
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• 2010

Operative treatment including a bone graft and an internal fixation was done in a fifteen-year old wrestler with transverse olecranon stress fracture. At 6 weeks after the operation, he could start active muscle strengthening exercise and returned to the previous level of exercise at 6 monthes after surgery. Conservative treatment including resting and muscle strengthening exercise was performed in an eighteen-year old baseball player with oblique olecranon stress fracture. At the follow-up of three months, he could start staged throwing exercise without pain or tenderness. He returned the previous level of throwing following strengthening exercise for 6 months.

• Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
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• v.4 no.2
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• pp.133-137
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• 2005

Tension band wiring of olecranon fractures is recognized as an effective method for fixation and union Complications as non-union, limitation of motion and subcutaneous k-wire protrusion are occasionally reported. But, there are no references about limitation of forearm rotation after tension band fixation. We report two cases of limitation of forearm rotation after tension band fixation of olecranon fracture.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.167-172
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• 2003

Olecranon bursitis rarely Progresses to septic arthritis. In our case, the 24 year old woman was visited due to progressing right elbow pain, despite antibiotic treatment of chronic olecranon bursitis caused by elbow laceration 2 months ago. Pus draining sinus, localized heating and swelling could be seen on physical examination. Septic arthritis and pathologic fracture was diagnosed under arthroscopic examination. Arthroscopic irrigation and synovectomy for elbow joint, olecranon bursectomy and curettage of olecranon bone was done. In the operation field, the elbow and draining sinus over olecranon was communicated each other on saline irrigation test. The patient was treated for 3 weeks with intravenous antibiotics. At postoperative 4 weeks, bone graft was done. The possibility of chronic osteomyelitis and septic arthritis must be considered in a patient with chronic olecranon bursitis.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.2 no.1
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• pp.59-63
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• 1985

Treatment of olecranon fractures by prolonged immobilization often results in limited elbow motion. With the use of tension band wiring, anatomical reduction was obtainable, and only a short period of immobilization was needed. We reviewed the cases of 17 patients who underwent surgical treatment of the olecranon fracture. All patients were treated by tension band wiring. In the over-all series, we were able to obtain 53 per cent excellent, 30 per cent good, and 17 per cent fair results.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.163-169
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• 2022

Distal humerus fractures (DHFs) are challenging to treat due to the locally complex osseous and soft tissue anatomy. Adequate exposure of the articular surface of the distal humerus is crucial when performing an anatomical reconstruction of the elbow. Even though "triceps-on" approaches are gaining popularity, one of the most commonly used surgical treatments for DHF is olecranon osteotomy. The incidence of complications related to this approach is unclear. This review was performed to assess the type and frequency of complications that occur with the olecranon osteotomy approach in the treatment of DHF. A literature search was conducted in the PubMed/Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library digital databases up to February 2020. Only English articles describing complications of olecranon osteotomy in the treatment of DHF were included. Data on patient and surgical characteristics and complications were extracted. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. A total of 41 articles describing 1,700 osteotomies were included, and a total of 447 complications were reported. Of these 447 complications, wound infections occurred in 4.2% of osteotomies, of which 1.4% were deep infections and 2.8% were superficial. Problems related with union occurred in 3.7% of osteotomies, 2% of which represented non-union and 1.7% delayed union. The high risk of complications in olecranon osteotomy must be considered in the decision to perform this procedure in the treatment of DHF.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.27 no.1
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• pp.39-44
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• 2024

Background: Displaced olecranon fractures constitute a challenging problem for elbow surgeons. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the role of suture anchor fixation for treating patients with displaced olecranon fractures. Methods: A retrospective review was performed for all consecutive patients with displaced olecranon fractures treated with suture anchor fixation with at least 2 years of clinical follow-up. Surgical repair was performed acutely in all cases with nonmetallic suture anchors in a double-row configuration utilizing suture augmentation via the triceps tendon. Osseous union and perioperative complications were uniformly assessed. Results: Suture anchor fixation was performed on 17 patients with displaced olecranon fractures. Functional outcome scores were collected from 12 patients (70.6%). The mean age at the time of surgery was 65.6 years, and the mean follow-up was 5.6 years. Sixteen of 17 patients (94%) achieved osseous union in an acceptable position. No hardware-related complications or fixation failure occurred. Mean postoperative shortened disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (QuickDASH) score was 3.8±6.9, and mean Oxford Elbow Score was 47.5±1.0, with nine patients (75%) achieving a perfect score. Conclusions: Suture anchor fixation of displaced olecranon fractures resulted in excellent midterm functional outcomes. Additionally, this technique resulted in high rates of osseous union without any hardware-related complications or fixation failures.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.113-117
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• 2019

Treating distal humerus fractures, especially those involving intra-articular lesions, is complex and often technically demanding. Although there still exist many controversial issues, the goal of treatment is to establish anatomical stable fixation by restoring the two columns and the articular surface. Universally, a posterior midline incision is applied, and the approach varies according to the further management of the triceps or olecranon. Evidence supports dual plate fixation as the optimal fixation method, and debates regarding appropriate plating configuration are still ongoing. As multiple clinical studies comparing results of parallel and perpendicular plate fixation have shown no actual difference, it is important to place the plates according to the fracture configuration.