Orthopedic surgery iOS application

trainingsimulationfor smartphones

Background Fracture of the olecranon is a common injury and often requires operative management when displaced. Patients suffer intense elbow pain after a direct blow or a fall. Swelling over the site is seen, and there is an inability to fully extend the elbow. The tension band wiring allows for the conversion of tensile forces on the posterior aspect of the olecranon into compression forces at the joint line. The figure-of-eight wire loop sits on the posterior surface of the olecranon, and acts as a tension band opposing the forces of the triceps muscle. Multifragmentary fractures cannot be fixed with a tension band. In order to be able to use a tension band, the anterior cortex cannot be fragmented and must provide a buttress to allow compression. The patient is placed in a lateral decubitus position with the injured side facing upwards. Supports should be used to maintain stable patient position. The affected arm is draped over an L-bar. The surgeon stands on the anterior facing side of the patient. There must be adequate space to bring in an image intensifier, with the display unit on the other side of the table at the posterior side of the patient Complications • Damage to the ulnar nerve. • Protruding or irritating metalware. • Infection. • Malunion. • Non-union.