title: Free-hand versus novel specialised jig guidance for the passing of intramedullary wires in olecranon fracture fixation: a comparative study.
abstract: The treatment of olecranon fractures frequently involves the use of tension-band fixation. Although associated with high union rates, this method has a high incidence of morbidity associated with soft tissue compromise and limitation of range of movement requiring frequent re-operation for removal of metal. We describe the use of a simple jig to ensure intramedullary placement of longitudinal K-wires and compare the accuracy of placement of Kirschner (K)-wires using this device with the traditional free-hand method. We found the distance from the centre of the medullary canal, the range and standard deviations of K-wire positions to be significantly more precise when the jig was used. This has applications for the use of the device, both with standard metallic radio-opaque wires and potentially with bio-absorbable pins.
authors.affiliation: Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dublin 11, Ireland. molonyd@eircom.net
authors.forename: Diarmuid C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Molony
authors.forename: Jim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kennedy
authors.forename: Adrian
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gheiti
authors.forename: J Hannan
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Mullett
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D001864:Bone Wires; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D056740:Olecranon Process / Q000293:injuries*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D014458:Ulna Fractures / Q000601:surgery*