Skip to main content
7:23
Published March 15, 2022

Tension Band Wiring an Olecranon Process Fracture With Polyethylene Sutures and Percutaneous Pins

The purpose of this video is to showcase open reduction and internal fixation of a displaced olecranon process fracture using polyethylene sutures and percutaneous pins. The patient in this video is a 14-year-old boy who fell while playing soccer. His presentation included decreased range of motion, swelling, deformity, and tenderness at the right elbow. Initial radiographs revealed a 1.8-cm displaced fracture of the olecranon process, joint effusion, and soft-tissue swelling. The patient was indicated for surgery owing to the significantly displaced olecranon fracture. The fracture was repaired with No. 2 polyethylene sutures and Kirschner wires that exited percutaneously. A similar technique was previously described once in the literature. This surgical approach averts the need for revision surgery to remove hardware without compromising the quality of reduction.