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.