title: Complications and re-operation rate after tension-band wiring of olecranon fractures.
abstract: Tension-band wire fixation of olecranon fractures leads to a high re-operation rate because of the need to remove the metalware. This problem has commonly been thought to be related mainly to the backing-out of the Kirschner wires. A retrospective study was carried out in 55 patients with displaced olecranon fractures operated on with the tension-band wiring technique, in whom there was an overall 71.7% re-operation rate. Complications were few and minor in most patients. The main reason for the removal of the metalware was a direct complaint from the patient (in 61.3% of all removals). A literature review analyzing the causes of metalware removal is also presented.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Hvidovre University Hospital (University of Copenhagen), Kettegaard Allé 30, 2650 Hvidovre, Denmark.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Romero
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Miran
authors.forename: C H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Jensen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001864:Bone Wires; D020878:Device Removal; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D000092464:Elbow Injuries