Comparison of Tension Band Wire and Plate Fixation for Simple Displaced Olecranon Fractures

This study focuses on finding the best surgical method for treating simple, displaced olecranon fractures, a type of break in the bone at the tip of the elbow. Currently, a technique called tension band wiring (TBW) is widely used, but it can lead to issues like hardware prominence. The study aims to figure out which method, TBW or plate fixation, leads to better functional and radiological outcomes for these fractures. It also seeks to understand which technique results in better patient-reported outcomes and what the complication rates are for each technique. The study involves 50 adult patients who underwent surgery for acute, simple, displaced olecranon fractures between November 2012 and October 2017. These patients are randomly assigned to receive either tension band or plate fixation. They are then evaluated at various points after surgery: 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. The main outcome measure is the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score one year after surgery. This score helps determine the level of disability or functional limitation. Other measures include patient-reported Oxford elbow score, functional assessments like range of motion, radiographic assessments, and complication rates.