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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 2018; 31(01): 053-061
DOI: 10.1160/VCOT-17-04-0057
Clinical Communication
Schattauer GmbH Stuttgart

Stabilization of Olecranon Fractures by Tension Band Wiring or Plate Osteosynthesis: A Retrospective Study of 41 Cases

Alexandre Fournet
,
Jean-François Boursier
,
Solène Corbeau
,
Adeline Decambron
,
Véronique Viateau
,
Pascal Fayolle
,
Anne-Sophie Bedu
,
Dimitri Leperlier
,
Mathieu Manassero
Further Information

Publication History

22 April 2017

14 September 2017

Publication Date:
11 January 2018 (online)

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Abstract

Objectives This article aimed to describe olecranon fracture in dogs and cats and their stabilization with tension band wiring or plate osteosynthesis, and to evaluate complications associated with each technique.

Methods Medical records of cats and dogs that had been surgically treated for olecranon fractures with either tension band wiring or plate osteosynthesis were retrospectively reviewed. The surgical technique, complications and long-term outcomes were assessed.

Results Forty-one olecranon fractures were included. Fractures were articular, comminuted and open in 90, 31 and 27% of cases, respectively. Tension band wiring and plate osteosynthesis were performed in 22 and 19 fractures, respectively. Complications occurred more commonly after tension band wiring (74%) compared with plate osteosynthesis (27%) (p = 0.002) and these were probably related to it being used in comminuted fractures (p = 0.01) or to errors in technique. Minor complications included Kirschner wires migration (n = 5), pain (n = 3), osteomyelitis (n = 3), skin breakdown (n = 3) and seroma (n = 1). Implant failure requiring further fixation (n = 4) was observed only in the tension band wiring group. Other major complications included skin wound debridement and closure (n = 1) and chronic lameness requiring implant removal (n = 7). Long-term functional outcomes were excellent regardless of the technique used.

Clinical Significance Plate osteosynthesis should be performed for olecranon fracture repair if technically feasible.

Keywords

olecranon - fracture - tension band wire - plate osteosynthesis - dog - cat

Author Contributions

Conception of the study: A. Fournet, J.-F. Boursier, S. Corbeau, A.-S. Bedu, D. Leperlier, M. Manassero; Study design: A. Fournet, S. Corbeau, A. Decambron, V. Viateau, P. Fayolle, D. Leperlier, M. Manassero; Acquisition of data: A. Fournet, J.-F. Boursier, S. Corbeau; Data analysis and interpretation: A. Fournet, J.-F. Boursier, A. Decambron, V. Viateau, P. Fayolle, A.-S. Bedu, D. Leperlier, M. Manassero. All authors drafted and revised the manuscript and approved the submitted manuscript.


 

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