Comparison of two surgical techniques for the treatment of transverse olecranon fractures: A finite element study

Abstract

Background In this study, we aimed to compare the stability of traditional tension band wiring (TBW) and screw combined TBW (SC-TBW) fixation methods performed for a transverse olecranon osteotomy-fracture during different degrees of elbow movement by using finite element analysis. Methods Three-dimensional solid modeling of the olecranon was obtained by computed tomography images. Transverse olecranon fracture was created and fixed by TBW and SC-TBW with respect to triceps muscle force. Opening angle, twisting angle and interplanar translation occurring on the fracture line were evaluated at 45 degrees and 90 degrees elbow flexion. Results Opening angle: 0.71 degrees, 0.87 degrees at 45 degrees and 0.64 degrees, 0.67 degrees at 90 degrees elbow flexion for TBW and SC-TBW, respectively. Twisting angle: -0.01 degrees, -0.19 degrees at 45 degrees flexion and 0.19 degrees, 0.30 degrees at 90 degrees flexion for TBW and SC-TBW, respectively. Interplanar translation: 1.93 mm, 4.65 mm at 45 degrees flexion and 1.78 mm, 3.95 mm at 90 degrees flexion for TBW and SC-TBW, respectively. Conclusion TBW fixation provides more stability than SC-TBW fixation model.