Tension band wiring of transverse olecranon fractures in the elderly-transcortical K-wires prevent backout

Thirty-four consecutive patients older than seventy years, who had closed transverse olecranon fractures treated by tension-band wiring, were assessed. The functional results were generally good. However, there was a high rate of local complications in patients where the K-wires were passed in the long axis of the ulna (intramedullary). Placement of the K-wire across the anterior cortex of the ulna (transcortical) as recommended by the AO group is associated with a low incidence of local complications. This method is preferable in elderly patients with osteoporotic bone.