Abstract:Objective To study the effect of interlocking intramedullary nail on fixing transverse olecranon fracture. Methods Nine pairs of fresh ulna specimens were collected and the transverse fracture model of olecranon was established. Kirschner wire tension band and interlocking intramedullary nail were used to repair the fracture. Cyclic dynamic tension loads with amplitude of 25 N, mean value of 45 N and frequency of 05 Hz were applied to the triceps tendon under simulated elbow flexion conditions of 30°, 45° and 60°, respectively. The fracture displacements of specimens within 300 cycles were recorded in three groups. ResultsAt 30° flexion angle, the fracture displacement of interlocking intramedullary nail group and Kirschner wire tension band group was (1.831±0.333) mm and (3.723±2.390) mm, respectively. At 45° flexion angle, the fracture displacement of interlocking intramedullary nail group and Kirschner wire tension band group was (1.167±0.374) mm and (2.455±0.609) mm, respectively. At 60° flexion angle, the fracture displacement of interlocking intramedullary nail group and Kirschner wire tension band group was (1.407±0.342) mm and (3.112±1.025) mm, respectively. The fracture displacement of interlocking intramedullary nail was smaller. Conclusions The mechanical properties of interlocking intramedullary nail are better than those of Kirschner wire tension band, and the interlocking intramedullary nail is more stable and firmer for fixing transverse olecranon fracture. Moreover, the interlocking intramedullary nail is installed with the operating tool, thus the operation is more accurate and faster, and the operation efficiency is greatly improved.