Treatment Reality of Tension Band Wiring and Locked Plate Fixation of the Olecranon

Treatment Reality of Tension Band Wiring and Locked Plate Fixation of the Olecranon - Analysis of Complications, Risk Profiles and Trends

The incidence of the olecranon fracture (OF) in adults is around 12 per 100,000 inhabitants per year.1 The anatomical shape of the proximal ulna is largely responsible for the stabilization of the humeroulnar joint and reconstruction is therefore obligatory, but often challenging. Surgical treatment of the olecranon fracture is performed using tension band wiring (TBW) or locking plate fixation (LPF) osteosynthesis. It is not yet clear, which procedure is superior for a specific patient. In future, an individualized and objectified assessment of expected general and fracture-specific complications should enable the treatment to be individually adapted to the patient's risk profile. This shall prevent complications, unnecessary treatments, and treatment costs. In the project presented here, the reality of care for surgically treated patients with olecranon fractures will be analyzed using routine data collected by the BARMER health insurance fund.

The aim of the study is to analyze differences in the outcome of patients with an olecranon fracture treated with TBW compared to LPF and to identify independent risk factors for unfavorable course.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Inpatient coded diagnosis of olecranon fracture (ICD S52.01)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Incomplete basic information
• Incomplete insurance status within two years before index
• Previous treatment of olecranon fracture
• Unclear treatment of olecranon fracture
• Age < 18 years
• Coded polytrauma
• Bone tumors/ bone metastasis
• Both sides injured or missing information of surgery side