Table 5 Complication according to surgical approach
Complication (n, %) | Olecranon osteotomy (n = 88, 100%) | Triceps splitting (n = 34, 100%) | Paratricipital (n = 33, 100%) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Nerve related | Pre-operative nerve symptom | 7 (8.0%) | 2 (5.9%) | 1 (3.0%) |
Ulnar nerve symptom: spontaneously recovered | 10 (11.4%) | 1 (2.9%) | 4 (12.1%) | |
Ulnar nerve symptom: required operation | 6 (6.8%) | 1 (2.9%) | 3 (9.1%) | |
Other nerve symptom | 2 (2.3%) | 1 (2.9%) | 0 | |
Fixation and instrument related | Screw joint penetration | 1 (1.1%) | 0 | 0 |
Reduction loss and implant loosening | 1 (1.1%) | 0 | 0 | |
Skin implant irritation | 5 (5.7%) | 0 | 2 (6.1%) | |
Osteosynthesis related | Non-union of fracture | 4 (4.5%) | 1 (2.9%) | 1 (3.0%) |
Mean union period (weeks) | 19.0 ± 12.3 | 17.5 ± 11 | 18.7 ± 8.1 | |
Infection | Superficial infection | 0 | 2 (5.9%) | 0 |
Deep infection | 1 (1.1%) | 0 | 1 (3.0%) | |
Wound complications | 3 (3.4%) | 2 (5.9%) | 0 | |
Others | Heterotrophic ossification | 20 (22.7%) | 9 (26.5%) | 5 (15.2%) |
Elbow stiffness (cannot achieve 30° ~ 130° of arc) | 44 (50%) | 16 (47.1%) | 11 (33.3%) | |
Osteoarthritis (Broberg and Morrey Gr II or III) | 26 (29.5%) | 8 (23.5%) | 4 (12.1%) | |
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome | 1 (1.1%) | 1 (2.9%) | 0 | |
Functional outcome | ||||
Range of motion | Extension–flexion arc (°) | 11° ~ 122° | 9.7° ~ 123.1° | 4.1° ~ 128.4° |
DASH score | 16.0 ± 16.7 | 16.5 ± 15.0 | 14.3 ± 14.2 | |