Abstract
Objectives This article aimed to describe olecranon fracture in dogs and cats and their stabilization
with tension band wiring or plate osteosynthesis, and to evaluate complications associated
with each technique.
Methods Medical records of cats and dogs that had been surgically treated for olecranon fractures
with either tension band wiring or plate osteosynthesis were retrospectively reviewed.
The surgical technique, complications and long-term outcomes were assessed.
Results Forty-one olecranon fractures were included. Fractures were articular, comminuted
and open in 90, 31 and 27% of cases, respectively. Tension band wiring and plate osteosynthesis
were performed in 22 and 19 fractures, respectively. Complications occurred more commonly
after tension band wiring (74%) compared with plate osteosynthesis (27%) (p = 0.002) and these were probably related to it being used in comminuted fractures
(p = 0.01) or to errors in technique. Minor complications included Kirschner wires migration
(n = 5), pain (n = 3), osteomyelitis (n = 3), skin breakdown (n = 3) and seroma (n = 1). Implant failure requiring further fixation (n = 4) was observed only in the tension band wiring group. Other major complications
included skin wound debridement and closure (n = 1) and chronic lameness requiring implant removal (n = 7). Long-term functional outcomes were excellent regardless of the technique used.
Clinical Significance Plate osteosynthesis should be performed for olecranon fracture repair if technically
feasible.
Keywords
olecranon - fracture - tension band wire - plate osteosynthesis - dog - cat
