Pediatric Fractures of the Hand, Wrist, Forearm, and Elbow-Case Olecranon Fractures

Case Olecranon Fractures

Pdf Summary

The document discusses a case of a 10-year-old female who sustained a displaced left olecranon fracture after falling from a bicycle. The treatment proposed for this patient is ORIF (open reduction and internal fixation), as the displacement of the fracture is greater than 2mm. The patient was treated with a tension-band technique, using two 0.062 inch Kirschner wires and heavy braided non-absorbable sutures to create the tension-band construct. After 4 weeks, the pins were removed, and gentle motion was initiated.<br /><br />The key points highlighted in the document include nonsurgical treatment for minimally displaced fractures (less than 2mm displacement) and surgical indications for displaced olecranon fractures greater than 2mm, as the risk of further displacement with unopposed triceps pull is high. There are various fixation options available, including tension band wiring with axial K-wires, tension band suturing, and ORIF with plate and screw constructs.<br /><br />The document also mentions the pearl that the tension band construct using a heavy non-absorbable suture is effective in minimizing the risk of hardware complications. This is because the pins are removed at 4 weeks, leaving no metal in the patient.<br /><br />Overall, the document provides information about the treatment options and techniques for olecranon fractures, specifically focusing on a case of a 10-year-old female with a displaced fracture. The use of tension band technique with non-absorbable sutures is highlighted as a successful treatment option in this case.

Keywords

10-year-old female

displaced olecranon fracture

bicycle accident

ORIF

open reduction and internal fixation

tension-band technique

Kirschner wires

non-absorbable sutures

nonsurgical treatment

surgical indications