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Placing K-wires obliquely through the anterior ulnar cortex is a common modification of traditional olecranon tension-band wiring. Wire tip protrusion, however, risks injury to adjacent neurovascular structures and may impede forearm rotation. This study examines the proximity of neurovascular structures to the anterior proximal ulnar cortex. The anatomy of 47 adult elbows was examined through magnetic resonance imaging. A radiologist measured the spatial relationship of 6 neurovascular structures to a mid-sagittal reference point 1.5 cm distal to the coronoid on the anterior surface of the ulna. Distance and angular measurements were made in the transverse plane of the reference point. Within a reasonable arc of K-wire placement, the ulnar artery and median nerve were at greatest risk yet were still beyond 10 mm from the anterior ulnar cortex. To avoid iatrogenic neurovascular injury during tension-band wiring of the olecranon, protrusion of wire tips beyond the anterior ulnar cortex should be no more than 1 cm at a distance of 1.5 cm distal to the coronoid.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the limitation of motion as well as comfort provided by four different types of lumbar braces. The four braces were the Raney jacket, the Camp lace-up corset, a molded-polypropylene thoracolumbar-sacral orthosis (TLSO), and a common elastic corset. The data revealed that all braces significantly restrict free lumbar and thoracic motion in the sagittal and frontal planes. All braces restricted lumbar motion more in the frontal than in the sagittal plane. The rigid TLSO and Raney jackets were most restrictive when compared with the Camp corset and the elastic corset. Axial rotation in the lumbar spine is normally minimal and further limitation by a brace would be negligible. All braces restricted thoracic motion despite the fact that lumbar braces were used. The elastic corset was rated the most comfortable and the Raney jacket the least comfortable. This verifies that there is an inverse relationship between a brace's ability to restrict motion and comfort.