To evaluate the clinical usefulness of internal fixation with double plates for comminuted olecranon fractures.

Nine patients with olecranon fractures which are classified into Mayo type IIB (7 cases) and type IIIB (2 cases) underwent internal fixation using double plates from June 2002 to September 2005. They were followed-up for more than 12 months and average period of follow-up was 14 (12~18) months. Six cases were males and three were females. Mean age was 40.7 (21~63) years. We used open reduction and internal fixation using double plates. Clinical assessment index was pain, range of motion (ROM), stability and function of joint at last follow-up. The sum of four indices were compared. Also, we evaluated starting time of full ROM exercise, bony union time and complications.

All cases started postoperative ROM within 7 days and clinical results were evaluated using Mayo elbow performance index. 'Excellent', 'good' were 2, 6 cases, respectively and 1 case was 'fair'. Elbow ROM was more than 110° in all cases except one. Mean radiological bony union time was 3.9 (2.5~5) months postoperatively. There were heterotrophic ossifications in 3 cases as complication.

Internal fixation using double plates for comminuted olecranon fractures in adults can be good treatment option which obtains good clinical results and enables early ROM.