Surgical Treatment of Transolecranon Fracture-Subluxation of the Elbow

Abstract

Purpose: The present study is to document author’s results of the operative management of transolecranon fracture-subluxation of the elbow.

Materials and Methods: From 2000 to 2006, 18 cases of transolecranon fracture-subluxation of the elbow were reviewed retrospectively. Anterior subluxations were 11 cases and posterior subluxations were 7 cases. Average follow-up was 18.5 months (13??28 months). 13 patients were men and 5 were women. All 28 factures were fixed with an AO reconstruction plate and screws and approached through a midline longitudinal incision. Functional outcome was assessed with Mayo Elbow Performance Score.

Results: Overall outcome was rated as excellent in six, good in five of the eleven patients with anterior transolecranon fracture-subluxation, and excellent in three, good in one, fair in two, poor in one of the seven patients with posterior transolecranon fracture-subluxation. Postoperative complications were developed in three patients. In one of them, heterotrophic ossification was showed at radiographic examination and ulnar nerve compression was occurred in two cases.

Conclusion: We experienced 18 cases of the transolecranon fracture-subluxation. As the other pattern of the fracture around joint, the accurate anatomic reduction of the ulnar fracture, firm fixation and early ROM exercise is the key to optimal treatment of the transolecranon fracture-subluxation.