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Olecranon and Ulna

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Intramedullary Nailing

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Abstract

Tension band wiring and plate osteosynthesis for olecranon fractures yield good results, but there is a high ratio of reoperations due to soft tissue irritation. Plate osteosynthesis of ulna fractures requires extensive exposure with the risk of devascularisation. Good indications for intramedullary nailing are simple fracture types of the olecranon or proximal ulna, multifragmentary ulna fractures and fractures with poor soft tissue coverage. The design of the nail has to take the specific anatomy of the proximal ulna into account. The procedure is done with the elbow in ninety degrees of flexion. Reduction of an olecranon fracture is done in an open way, of the ulnar shaft in a closed or open way. Reaming and locking are important parts of the procedure. Using different nail designs, authors present small case series with a high ratio of uneventful healing and excellent or good results.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospitals Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, Leuven, 3000, Belgium

    Stefaan Nijs MD, PhD

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  1. Stefaan Nijs MD, PhD
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Correspondence to Stefaan Nijs MD, PhD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Orthopedics &Traumatology, University Medical Center Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany

    Pol M. Rommens

  2. Academic Teaching Hospital Fulda, Fulda, Germany

    Martin H. Hessmann

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© 2015 Springer-Verlag London

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Nijs, S. (2015). Olecranon and Ulna. In: Rommens, P., Hessmann, M. (eds) Intramedullary Nailing. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-6612-2_13

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-6612-2_13

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-6611-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-6612-2

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