CLINICAL AND FUNCTIONAL OUTCOMES OF UNIVERSAL COMPRESSION SCREW FIXATION IN OLECRANON AND PROXIMAL TO MID-SHAFT ULNAR FRACTURES

Abstract

Fractures of the olecranon and proximal/middle third of the ulna require stable fixation to restore function; with conventional techniques, complication rates reach 15–30%. Objective. To evaluate the effectiveness of a universal compression intramedullary screw. Materials and Methods. A single-center study included 30 patients (mean age 38.4 ± 12.6 years) with isolated fractures. Early mobilization was initiated on postoperative days 10–12. The follow-up period was 12 months. Time to union, pain intensity (VAS), and Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) were assessed. Statistical analysis was performed using the paired t-test. Results. Fracture union was achieved in 100% of patients within 10.1 ± 1.2 weeks (range 8–12). VAS pain scores decreased from 6.8 ± 1.1 to 2.1 ± 0.7 (p < 0.001).