An off-loading triceps suture for augmentation of plate fixation in comminuted osteoporotic fractures of the olecranon.

Abstract

Comminuted osteoporotic olecranon fractures in the elderly are relatively common. Open reduction and internal plate fixation is a frequently used treatment option. In highly comminuted osteoporotic bone, fixation may be tenuous leading to an increased risk of fixation failure with loss of reduction and displacement of fracture fragments. The off-loading triceps suture technique is a load-sharing mechanism to decreases distraction forces caused by the extensor mechanism on comminuted osteopenic olecranon fracture fragments managed with plate fixation.