Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Isolated olecranon fractures can be identified appropriately with standard AP and lateral radiographs of the elbow. Plate and screw fixation is recommended for unstable fracture patterns with significant comminution or a fracture line exiting distal to the semilunar notch and fracture-dislocations. Intramedullary nails are now available and may be suitable for some fracture types. Hence; the present study was undertaken for assessing and comparing Functional outcome in Olecranon fracture managed by tension band wiring and transcortical screw fixation. Materials & methods: 20 patients with olecranon fractures, admitted in the department of Orthopaedics were analysed. Patients were divided into two study groups with 10 patients in each group as follows: Group 1 patients were managed by Tension band wiring and Group 2 patients managed by Transcortical screw fixation. Initial radiographs were done taking true antero-posterior and lateral views of the elbow. All the patients were treated according to their respective study groups.The limb was kept elevated in posterior slab for the first two days. Radiological, clinical and functional assessment was done using Mayo Elbow Performance Score. Results: Mean time for complete union among the patients of tension band wiring group and transcortical screw fixation group was 11.3 days and 10.2 days respectively. Non- significant results were obtained while comparing the mean time for complete union among the two study groups. Mean mayo elbow performance score among the patients of group 1 at 1st week postoperative, 4th week postoperatively and 6th month postoperatively was 46.2, 63.5 and 88.1 respectively. Mean mayo elbow performance score among the patients of group 2 at 1st week postoperative, 4th week postoperatively and 6th month postoperatively was 43.1, 60.4 and 86.8 respectively. Non-significant results were obtained while comparing the mean Mayo elbow performance score among patients of the two study groups. Conclusion: Tension band wiring is better than transcortical screw fixation, especially in communited fractures, in terms of duration of surgery. However; further studies are recommended with