Pediatric olecranon fractures: open reduction and internal fixation with removable Kirschner wires and absorbable sutures.

Abstract

The authors present an original fixation technique for pediatric olecranon fractures that avoids reoperation to remove hardware as compared with the standard fixation technique with Kirschner wires and tension band wiring as advocated by the AO technique. The authors' technique uses two percutaneously placed Kirschner wires to fixate displaced transverse and oblique olecranon fractures. Prior to the insertion of the wires, the fracture is reduced through a standard open approach. Augmentation of the pin fixation is achieved with absorbable sutures. Six patients have been treated with this technique, with a mean follow-up of 13 months. No immediate complications have been noted; one patient has a loss of extension of 10 degrees at the elbow. Radiographic results are good, with no loss of reduction. This technique avoids the need for reoperation for hardware removal without compromising the quality of reduction.