Novel suture/suture-anchor fixation versus tension band wiring for olecranon fractures: A systematic review.

Abstract

Eighteen studies were included, nine of which involved SF/SAF (99 patients) and nine TBW (382 patients). SF/SAF techniques were associated with lower rates of fracture/implant displacement (2% versus 9.7%, p = 0.01), implant irritation (1% versus 30.1%, p < 0.001) and overall complications (8% versus 46.1%, p < 0.001) when compared to TBW. Reoperation rates were lower for SF/SAF (3% versus 37.2%, p < 0.001). Total flexion/extension arc achieved was similar (130.16 ± 2.11 versus 129.45 ± 0.93 degrees). On average, patients regained a functional arc of flexion (135.21 ± 4.81 TBW versus 131.32 ± 12.99 SF/SAF) and extension (1.16 ± 7.54 SF/SAF versus 5.76 ± 7.98 TBW).