Design and application of nickel-titanium olecranon memory connector in treatment of olecranon fractures: a prospective randomized controlled trial

Int Orthop. 2013 Jun;37(6):1099-105. doi: 10.1007/s00264-013-1878-5. Epub 2013 Apr 18.

Abstract

Purpose: We carried out this study to test the efficacy of the olecranon memory connector (OMC) in olecranon fractures.

Methods: We designed a prospective randomised controlled trial involving 40 cases of olecranon fractures. From May 2004 to December 2009, 40 patients with olecranon fractures were randomly assigned into two groups. Twenty patients were treated with OMC, while another 20 patients were fixed with locking plates in our hospital. The DASH score, MEP score, range of motion and radiographs were used to evaluate the postoperative elbow function and complications.

Results: For MEP score, OMC was better than the locking plate; for DASH score, complication rate, and range of elbow motion, the two methods presented no significant difference.

Conclusion: The study showed that OMC could be an effective alternative to treat olecranon fractures.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Bone Plates
  • Bone Wires
  • Elbow Injuries
  • Elbow Joint / physiology
  • Elbow Joint / surgery
  • Equipment Design*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / instrumentation*
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / methods*
  • Fracture Healing / physiology
  • Humans
  • Internal Fixators*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nickel*
  • Olecranon Process / diagnostic imaging
  • Olecranon Process / injuries*
  • Olecranon Process / surgery
  • Prospective Studies
  • Radiography
  • Range of Motion, Articular / physiology
  • Titanium*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ulna Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Ulna Fractures / surgery*

Substances

  • titanium nickelide
  • Nickel
  • Titanium