Volume 23 No 6 (2025)
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Functional Outcome of Surgical Management of Olecranon Fractures with Olecranon Locking Plate Fixation among Adults: A Descriptive Longitudinal Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Mandya, Karnataka
Dr. Mahendra Kumar K.L., Dr. Ravikumar H.S., Dr. Sachin M.P.
Abstract
Background Olecranon fractures accounting for nearly 10% of all upper limb fractures, are predominantly intra-articular and require prompt anatomical reduction to preserve elbow function. Locking plate fixation is an emerging technique aimed at reducing such complications while providing stable fixation for early mobilization. To evaluate the functional outcomes, elbow joint stability, and range of motion in adult patients undergoing olecranon locking plate fixation for displaced olecranon fractures. Methods This descriptive longitudinal study was conducted at a tertiary care center in Mandya, involving 33 adult patients with displaced olecranon fractures who underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using an anatomical locking plate. Postoperative outcomes as assessed for a period of 6 months which includes joint stability, pain, elbow range of motion, and complications. The Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI) was used to evaluate functional results. Results This study enrolled 33 patients aged 21–70 years (mean: 43 ±13), with a slightly higher female representation (54.5%). The most common injury mechanism was self-fall (60.6%), with 72.7% of fractures on the dominant (right) side. Surgical fixation was performed between 5 to 15 days post-injury using anatomical olecranon locking plates. Radiological union was observed in 93.9% of patients within 10 weeks. At 6 months, 57.6% achieved ROM >100°, and 63.6% of patients recorded excellent MEPS scores (>90), while 21.2% had good outcomes. Only one complication (implant exposure in a diabetic patient) was reported, resulting in a very low complication rate (3.03%). Conclusion Olecranon locking plate fixation is a safe and effective method for managing displaced and complex olecranon fractures, enabling early mobilization and excellent functional recovery with minimal complications. It provides a compelling alternative to TBW, particularly for fractures with comminution or instability.
Keywords
Olecranon Fractures, Olecranon Plate, Open Reduction and Internal Fixation, Elbow Fractures.
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