A numerical model of the tension band wiring technique for olecranon fracture reduction

Tension band wiring (TBW) is the current day gold standard technique for the surgical fixation of olecranon fractures. This study sought to develop a numerical model and simulate mechanical tests based on previously published research. A finite element contact model was generated from CT scans where an AO/OTA 21-C2 fracture with one unstable fragment was implemented. Mechanical testing simulations consisted of four elbow flexion/extension movement cycles under varying tensile forces placed on the olecranon. Fragment movement in the x and z-axes and von Mises stresses were recorded on the bone and the mechanical fixations. After four movement cycles, the most fragment movement was observed at the most proximal fracture gap. High von Mises stresses were seen at the bridge between two fragments connected by Kirschner wires, this may be of great importance considering the frequent complications caused by this hardware. A validation process still needs to be conducted.