Avulsion fracture of olecranon treated with McLaughlin-cerclage using an artificial ligament: a case report

TL;DR

A 65-year-old woman with an avulsion fracture of the olecranon was successfully treated with a McLaughlin cerclage using an artificial ligament, providing strong fixation and good recovery.

Contribution

The paper presents a successful alternative surgical approach using McLaughlin cerclage with an artificial ligament for avulsion fractures in osteoporotic bone.

Findings

McLaughlin cerclage with an artificial ligament provided rigid fixation and achieved bone union within 4 months.

At 18 months post-surgery, the patient had full elbow motion and a DASH score of 0.

The method minimizes risks like cut-through in osteoporotic bone and offers a promising alternative for older patients.

Abstract

A 65-year-old woman presented with right elbow pain after a fall. Imaging showed an avulsion fracture of the olecranon. The patient subsequently underwent surgery using the suture bridge technique with anchors. However, loosening was observed intraoperatively. Therefore, a McLaughlin cerclage with an artificial ligament was added, resulting in a rigid fixation. Bone union was achieved at 4 months postoperatively. At 18 months postoperatively, no limitation was observed in the range of motion of the elbow joint; the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand score was 0. McLaughlin cerclage with an artificial ligament provided additional fixation, demonstrating greater strength compared with suture anchors and minimizing the risk of cut-through in the osteoporotic bone. This approach offers a promising alternative for such cases by combining firm fixation with a reduced risk of complications, particularly in older patients with osteoporosis.

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