Suture repair of simple transverse olecranon fractures and chevron olecranon osteotomy

Tension band wiring of simple transverse olecranon fractures results in a high reoperation rate due to hardware problems. A technique using high-strength braided polyester and polyethylene suture through a bone tunnel has been piloted. This technique is suitable for simple transverse olecranon fractures or olecranon osteotomy with stability of the ulnohumeral articulation. A transverse drill hole was made in the ulna with a 2.5-mm drill. Fracture fixation was achieved using 2 braided synthetic sutures passed through the bone tunnel and grasping the insertion of the triceps tendon. The outcome measures used were Oxford Elbow score and QuickDASH score. Ten consecutive patients with a mean age of 47 years (range, 18 to 88 y) were included. The mean follow-up was 19 months (range, 14 to 30 mo). All fractures were clinically and radiographically united by 6 weeks. One malunion occurred. The mean Oxford score was 41 (20 to 48). The mean QuickDASH Score was 9 (0 to 20). This technique provides a safe and reliable alternative to conventional tension band wiring with no reoperations required in a pilot series.