Lag Screw Fixation Research Articles

Effect of Gelatin Hydrogel Sheet Containing Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor on Proximal Sesamoid Bone Transverse Fracture Healing in the Horse

Our objective in this study was to examine the effect of gelatin hydrogel (GH) sheets containing basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on healing of proximal sesamoid bone transverse fractures in the horse. Ten healthy adult Thoroughbreds were used. The lateral proximal sesamoid bone of the left forelimb and the medial proximal sesamoid bone of the right forelimb were osteotomized, while the horses were under general anesthesia, and subsequently repaired by lag screw fixation using a single 4.5-mm cortical screw. A GH sheet containing 100 μg of bFGF was then sutured to the synovial membrane adjacent to the osteotomized proximal sesamoid bone. In the control group, the fracture was fixed with a lag screw, and the articular capsule was sutured. Fracture healing was assessed by radiographic examination once a week for 16 weeks after the operation. Radiographic examination of bone healing revealed significantly lower demineralization of the fracture line in the GH sheet-treated group than in the control group. The rate of demineralization of the fracture line in the GH sheet-treated group was significantly lower than that in the control group at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after the operation. In this study, we demonstrated that the use of a GH sheet containing bFGF promotes healing of proximal sesamoid bone fracture in the horse. Therefore, it is believed that this treatment strategy would be useful for quick recovery from bone fracture in the horse.

Periprosthetic fractures around the knee—the best way of treatment

BackgroundA variety of methods has been described to stabilise periprosthetic fractures around total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Our report offers a review of the actual strategies in the reduction and fixation of these fractures. Surgical treatment should be based on the following four steps:Diagnostics: By taking the patients' history together with an X-ray of the knee and femur, the fracture is analysed. It is crucial to define whether any losening of the prosthesis had occurred. In selected cases, CT-scan may add important information on the stability of the implant.Classification and planning: For most fractures around the distal femur, the Rorabeck classification is used while fractures around the proximal tibia are best classified according to the Felix classification. Additionally the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) may be helpful in the planning process for reduction and fixation.Surgigal technique: In fractures around a stable implant (Rorabeck type I and II; Felix type A and C), it is favourable to use plates and retrograde nails (in Rorabeck I or II with an open box of a TKA). For reduction, three methods are available: (a) the open technique (with direct or indirect reduction); (b) the mini open technique (direct reduction of the fracture by cerclage or lag screw and percutaneous plate fixation in OTA type 32 or 33-A1) and (c) the minimally invasive technique (indirect reduction and percutaneous fixation in all other OTA types). Fractures with a loose prosthesis (Rorabeck III and Felix B) are best stabilised by hinged revision arthroplasty.Rehabilitation: It is of great importance for the aged patient to be mobilised out of bed early. In most of the cases, partial weight bearing has to be performed by the aid of frames during the first 6 weeks after surgery. In a well-fixed revision prosthesis with a cemented stem, early full weight bearing might be allowed. ConclusionStandardised less invasive procedures to treat periprosthetic fractures present a valuable alternative to open techniques. The main advantages are lower rates of oft tissue complications and implant failures following less invasive techniques of long plate application. Polyaxial locking systems allow for stable plate fixation around intramedullary implants.

Management of simple (types A and B) closed tibial shaft fractures using percutaneous lag-screw fixation and Ilizarov external fixation in adults

Although intramedullary fixation of closed simple (type A or B) diaphyseal tibial fractures in adults is well tolerated by patients, providing lower morbidity rates and better mobility, it is associated with some complications. This study evaluated the results of managing these fractures using percutaneous minimal internal fixation using one or more lag screws, and Ilizarov external fixation. This method was tested to evaluate its efficacy in immediate weight bearing, fracture healing and prevention of any post-immobilisation stiffness of the ankle and knee joints. This randomised blinded study was performed at a referral, academically supervised, level III trauma centre. Three hundred and twenty-four of the initial 351 patients completed this study and were followed up for a minimum of 12 (12-88) months. Patient ages ranged from 20 to 51 years, with a mean of 39 years. Ankle and knee movements and full weight bearing were encouraged immediately postoperatively. Solid union was assessed clinically and radiographically. Active and passive ankle and knee ranges of motion were measured and compared with the normal side using the Wilcoxon signed rank test for matched pairs. Subjective Olerud and Molander Ankle Score was used to detect any ankle joint symptoms at the final follow-up. No patient showed delayed or nonunion. All fractures healed within 95-129 days. Based on final clinical and radiographic outcomes, this technique proves to be adequate for managing simple diaphyseal tibial fractures. On the other hand, it is relatively expensive, technically demanding, necessitates exposure to radiation and patients are expected to be frame friendly.

Management of C2 fractures using Iso-C3D guidance: a single institution's experience

About 20 % of cervical fractures involve the C2 vertebra. Many surgical techniques have been proposed according to the type of fracture. However, morbidity and mortality of these procedures is often high, which can be attributed to the old age and significant co-morbidities of the affected population and the complex anatomy of C2. To target the latter, several authors have applied iso-C(3D) guidance for most of the common techniques. We here present our experience using a fixed protocol and iso-C(3D) guidance in all cases of traumatic C2 fractures. Sixteen patients were operated upon between April 2011 and April 2012 using Iso-C(3D) guidance, following a fixed routine protocol. The screw position was verified by CT-scanning. Intraoperative and clinical parameters were evaluated. Six patients received anterior lag-screw fixation of odontoid fractures. Two underwent isolated posterior lag-screw fixation of hangman's fracture. C1 and/or C3 lateral mass, and/or C2 isthmic screws were placed in eight patients. No screw had to be revised, 3 minor breachings of the cortical bone of <2 mm were observed.The same standard protocol for draping, registration of the navigation and Iso-C(3D) guided drilling could be applied for anterior and posterior procedures, leaving only two variables. This led to rapid acceptance of the technique among OR-staff and surgeons, who felt comfortable with iso-C(3D) guidance after only five cases. Iso-C(3D) guidance is a safe and straightforward technique for anterior and posterior screw placement in the upper cervical spine.

Proximal focal humeral deficiency in a large breed dog

A 26-week-old female Boerboel was referred for evaluation of progressive left thoracic limb lameness. Computed tomography and radiographic evaluation revealed radiolucency of the caudal region of the proximal humeral metaphysis, absence of the humeral head, and gross distortion of the glenoid. Given the severe glenohumeral deformation, arthrodesis of the left shoulder was performed using orthogonal locking bone plates, lag screw fixation, and bone grafting. Despite late implant failure, arthrodesis was successful in this case, and satisfactory limb function was restored. To the author's knowledge, this is the first report of a case of a focal developmental deficiency of the proximal humerus reported in a dog.

Arthrodesis of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint

Background:There are cadaveric and biomechanical studies comparing different methods of fixation for achieving arthrodesis in hallux rigidus. However, there are no comparative clinical studies. We compared the clinical and radiologic outcomes of first metatarsophalangeal joint fusion using three different techniques: lag screw, lag screw and circlage wire, and Memory staples.Methods:This was a retrospective study of 46 patients who underwent first metatarsophalangeal joint fusion. All of the operations were performed by experienced surgeons. Each patient had clinical and radiologic assessments postoperatively.Results:The three groups were matching in terms of demographic features and comorbidity. Intraobserver and interobserver reliability for radiographic metatarsophalangeal joint fusion was excellent. The mean time to clinical and radiologic union in the Memory staples group was earlier (7.6 weeks) than that of the other two techniques (8.0 and 8.1 weeks). The Memory staples group also had the lowest incidence of nonunion (1 of 15 compared with 4 of 15 in the single lag screw fixation group and 3 of 16 in the lag screw and circlage wire fixation group) and no hardware-related problems.Conclusions:Our experience corroborates the advantages of Memory staples as described in the literature, including good approximation of bone fragments, technically easy application with fewer steps than an AO-applied screw, and an adequate source of internal fixation to achieve metatarsophalangeal joint fusion. There is also a suggestion that the time to achieve fusion is shorter. (J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 102(1): 13-17, 2012)

Is Lag Screw Fixation Superior to Plate Fixation to Treat Fractures of the Mandibular Symphysis?

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate outcomes for patients treated with lag screw or plate and screw fixation for fractures of the mandibular symphysis. The investigator implemented a retrospective cohort study and enrolled a sample of patients with symphysis fractures. The primary predictor variable was treatment group categorized as lag screw or plate fixation of the fracture. The primary outcome variables were postoperative complications. Other variables collected were grouped into demographic, anatomic, radiographic, and preoperative variables. Appropriate descriptive and bivariate statistics were computed and statistical significance was set at P < .05. Eight hundred eighty-seven patients met the inclusion criteria. Four hundred seventy-six were treated with bone plates and 411 were treated with lag screws. There were no significant differences in demographic data for the 2 groups. There were no statistically significant differences in occlusal or osseous healing outcomes. However, there were significant differences in treatment outcomes for several variables, including wound dehiscence, plate exposure, and the need for hardware removal between the groups. Plating and lag screw techniques showed very good outcomes. There were more intraoperative difficulties placing lag screws than bone plates, but the application of lag screws was associated with fewer postoperative complications.

Arthrodesis of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint: A Retrospective Analysis of Plate versus Screw Fixation

Arthrodesis of the first metatarsophalangeal joint is a commonly accepted technique to treat various afflictions of the hallux. Many techniques have been described to fixate the arthrodesis. However, no superior fixation technique has been identified in regard to nonunion. We performed a retrospective analysis of first metatarsophalangeal joint arthrodeses in our clinic from January 2000 to April 2010, focusing on plate and screw fixation. Our aim was to identify the best fixation construct in regard to fusion rates and radiologic nonunion. We identified 72 arthrodeses performed using 1 oblique (n = 24) or 2 crossed (n = 21) lag screws or a plate (n = 13) or a plate augmented with plantar lag screw fixation (n = 14). Our analysis showed that plate fixation alone results in significantly fewer nonunions than single screw fixation. A comparison of the other fixation types showed no significant differences with regard to nonunion. Although our analysis showed that plate fixation alone is superior to single screw fixation, no definitive conclusion can be drawn owing to methodologic shortcomings. We believe a randomized controlled trial with larger sample sizes is necessary to find the clinically superior fixation technique.

Ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures: a retrospective analysis of intramedullary reconstruction nailing versus retrograde intramedullary nailing plus lag screw fixation

Objective To compare the outcomes and indications between intramedullary reconstruction nailing and retrograde intramedullary nailing plus lag screw fixation in the treatment of ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures.Methods From January 2001 to May 2010,21 patients with ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures were treated in our division.Ten of them underwent intramedullary reconstruction nailing(Group Ⅰ)and 11 underwent retrograde intramedullary nailing plus cancellous lag screw fixation(Group Ⅱ).There were no significant differences between the 2 groups with respect to gender,age,associated injury,anatomical location and type of fracture(P ＞ 0.05).The patients were evaluated at 1,3,6,9,12 months after surgery,and then every year postoperatively.Fisher exact test and t-test were performed to compare their rates of union and complications.Results The average follow-up was 27.1months(range,from 12 to 48 months)for the 21 patients.An unpaired t-test showed no significant differences with respect to follow-up time,operation time,intraoperative blood loss,postoperative drainage,time for radiographic union,time for clinical union and Friedman-Wyman score between the 2 groups(P ＞ 0.05).The hospitalization cast was significantly higher for Group I than for Group Ⅱ(t =16.710,P =0.016).There were no significant differences in either the rate of femoral shaft union(9/10 vs.10/11)or the rate of femoral neck union(9/10 vs.11/11)(P ＞ 0.05).Four postoperative complications occurred in Group I and 7 in Group Ⅱ.Conclusions The treatment choice for ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures should depend on specific cases.Intramedullary reconstruction nailing should not be preferred in subcapital fractures or irreducible femoral neck fractures,while retrograde intramedullary nailing plus cancellous lag screw fixation may be an excellent choice for subcapital neck fractures and for distal femoral shaft fractures associated with distal femoral supracondylar or proximal tibial fractures. Key words: Femoral fractures; Femoral neck fractures; Fracture fixation, internal

Biomechanical Comparison of Lag Screw versus Self-Drilling Screw Fixation of Oblique Metatarsal Osteotomy

Several fixation methods for a Weil metatarsal osteotomy have been proposed. Lag screw fixation has been described as the preferred fixation technique. The self-drilling screw has been introduced and can be used for fixation of the Weil osteotomy. The current study compared self-drilling screws with lag screw fixation. A Weil metatarsal osteotomy was performed on the second, third, and fourth metatarsals of five matched pairs of fresh frozen cadaver feet. The feet of each pair were randomly assigned ical to fixation with either a 2.0-mm cortical lag screw or a 2.0-mm self-drilling screw. The second metatarsals were stressed using cantilever bending. The third and fourth metatarsals were stressed under a shear force. Yield load, deformation at yield load, structural stiffness, and energy stored at yield load were recorded. There were no statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) noted. However, there was a trend toward greater biomechanical stability with the lag screw. There were no significant differences in the stability of fixation of the self-drilling screw and lag screw. There was a trend toward the lag screw fixation being more stable. The clinical significance of this trend is uncertain but suggests there is not a large difference between the two methods of fixation.

The use of bioabsorbable screws to fix Type II odontoid fractures: a biomechanical study

Anterior screw fixation of the Type II odontoid fracture stabilizes the odontoid without restricting the motion of the cervical spine. The metal screw may limit bone remodeling because of stress shielding (if not placed properly) and limit imaging of the fracture. The use of bioabsorbable screws can overcome such shortcomings of the metal screws. The purpose of this study was to compare the strength of a 5-mm bioabsorbable screw with single 4-mm metal and double 3.5-mm lag screw fixation for Type II fractures of the odontoid process. Three different modalities of anterior screw fixation were used in 19 C-2 vertebrae. These fixation methods consisted of a single 5-mm cannulated bioabsorbable lag screw (Group A), a single 4-mm cannulated titanium lag screw (Group B), and two 3.5-mm cannulated titanium lag screws (Group C). Anteroposterior (AP) stiffness and rotational stiffness were evaluated in all constructs. There was no statistical difference among the ages of the cadavers in each group (p = 0.52). The AP bending stiffness in Groups A, B, and C was 117 ± 86, 66 ± 43, and 305 ± 130 Nm/mm, respectively. The AP bending stiffness in Group C was significantly higher than that in Groups A and B (p = 0.01 and p = 0.001, respectively). The difference in AP bending stiffness values of bioabsorbable and 4-mm metal screws was not statistically significant (p = 0.23). The rotational stiffness of the double 3.5-mm metal screws was significantly greater than that of the 5-mm bioabsorbable and the 4-mm titanium screws. Double screw fixation with 3.5-mm screws provides the stiffest construct in Type II odontoid fractures. Bioabsorbable lag screws (5 mm) have the same AP bending and rotational stiffness as the single titanium lag screw (4 mm) in odontoid fractures.

Epidemiology and outcome of fracture of the hip in women aged 65 years and under

We examined prospectively collected data from 6782 consecutive hip fractures and identified 327 fractures in 315 women aged ≤65 years. We report on their demographic characteristics, treatment and outcome and compare them with a cohort of 4810 hip fractures in 4542 women aged > 65 years. The first significant increase in age-related incidence of hip fracture was at 45, rather than 50, which is when screening by the osteoporosis service starts in most health areas. Hip fractures in younger women are sustained by a population at risk as a result of underlying disease. Mortality of younger women with hip fracture was 46 times the background mortality of the female population. Smoking had a strong influence on the relative risk of 'early' (≤ 65 years of age) fracture. Lag screw fixation was the most common method of operative treatment. General complication rates were low, as were re-operation rates for cemented prostheses. Kaplan-Meier implant survivorship of displaced intracapsular fractures treated by reduction and lag screw fixation was 71% (95% confidence interval 56 to 81) at five years. The best form of treatment remains controversial.

Traumatic craniolateral shoulder luxation and fracture of the lesser tubercle of the humerus in a dog

A five-year old, spayed female, Bearded Collie was presented with a 24-hour history of non-weight-bearing lameness of the right thoracic limb after sustaining vehicular trauma. Radiographs revealed a craniolateral scapulohumeral luxation and a distally and medially displaced fracture of the lesser tubercle of the humerus. Open reduction and internal fixation of the fracture was achieved with lag screw fixation and an anti-rotational Kirschner wire. Surgical repair resulted in compression across the fracture line, anatomic reduction of the articular surface, and a stable scapulohumeral joint following reduction of the humeral head in the glenoid. Six weeks postoperatively, the patient exhibited no evidence of pain or lameness on the right thoracic limb and radiographs revealed complete healing of the fracture and normal articulation of the scapulohumeral joint. This is the first report of a lesser tubercle fracture associated with a craniolateral shoulder luxation. Surgical intervention resulted in the return of full shoulder joint function in this dog.

Salter-Harris type III fractures of the distal humerus in two dogs

Salter-Harris type III fractures of the distal humerus in a four-month-old male Labrador Retriever and a male crossbreed dog (estimated to be 3.5-months-old) are reported. Both fractures were treated with open reduction and interfragmentary compression by lag screw fixation. Both fractures healed and full limb use was regained at four weeks postoperatively. The occurrence of this unusual fracture type may be related to the physeal closure pattern of the distal humeral physis, and a different mechanism of injury compared to the more common Salter-Harris type IV fracture seen in this region.

Third tarsal bone fractures in the greyhound

To describe the signalment, morphology, response to treatment and prognosis of third tarsal bone fractures in the racing greyhound. All third tarsal bone fractures seen by the author over a ten year period were included in the study. Diagnosis was by radiography. Treatments were reconstruction with a lag screw, fragment removal, centrodistal joint arthrodesis or conservative management. Twenty-three cases were included in the study of which 16 cases were recent and seven cases chronic fractures. The chronic cases had been rested from between three and six months before an examination for recurrent lameness. There were five concomitant second tarsal bone fractures. Partial dorsal collapse was present in four cases. Thirteen dogs had lag screw fixation; three were lost to follow-up, seven returned to racing and three, all with partial tarsal collapse, failed to return to racing. Two dogs that had a centrodistal joint arthrodesis and one dog treated by rest alone raced again. Two dogs that had fragment removal failed to return to racing. Veterinary examination of greyhounds with third tarsal bone fractures is often not sought at the time of the initial injury due to the benign presenting signs. Recurrence of lameness after rest is common. The prognosis for a successful return to racing would appear to be good following fragment fixation in both acute and chronic cases without dorsal tarsal collapse. Centrodistal joint arthrodesis may encourage bone union. The prognosis for conconservatively treated cases is guarded. Fragment removal is not recommended as a treatment.

Lag screw fixation of dorsal cortical stress fractures of the third metacarpal bone in 116 racehorses

The effectiveness and best method to manage dorsal cortical stress fractures is not clear. This study was performed to evaluate the success of lag screw fixation of such fractures in a population of Thoroughbred racehorses. Lag screw fixation of dorsal cortical stress fractures is an effective surgical procedure allowing racehorses to return to their preoperative level of performance. The records of 116 racehorses (103 Thoroughbreds) admitted to Equine Medical Centre, California between 1986 and 2008 were assessed. Information obtained from medical records included subject details, limb(s) affected, fracture configuration, length of screw used in repair and presence of concurrent surgical procedures performed. Racing performance was evaluated relative to these factors using Fisher's exact test and nonparametric methods with a level of significance of P<0.05. Of 92 Thoroughbred horses, 83% raced preoperatively and 83% raced post operatively, with 63% having ≥5 starts. There was no statistically significant association between age, gender, limb affected, fracture configuration or presence of concurrent surgery and likelihood of racing post operatively or of having 5 or more starts. The mean earnings per start and the performance index for the 3 races following surgery were lower compared to the 3 races prior to surgery; however, 29 and 45% of horses either improved or did not change their earnings per start and performance index, respectively. Data show that lag screw fixation is successful at restoring ability to race in horses suffering from dorsal cortical stress fractures.

Comparison of miniplate versus lag-screw osteosynthesis for fractures of the mandibular angle

Treating mandibular angle fractures is common in maxillofacial surgery. The aim of this study was to compare lag screw fixation and miniplates. This retrospective investigation compared patients treated with miniplates (n = 24) and with lag screws (n = 21). Inclusion criteria were a solitary angle fracture without comminution or other reasons for load-bearing osteosynthesis. The main parameters for the outcome analysis were fracture gaps at 4 defined measuring points on postoperative radiography. Postsurgical complications were recorded. Fracture gaps measured in panoramic radiographs differed significantly between the lag-screw (average 0.56 mm) group and the group using 1 miniplate (average 0.85 mm) and 2 miniplates (1.40 mm). Miniplate fixation resulted in a wider fracture gap, especially in the region of the lower margin of the mandible. Lag-screw fixation demonstrated smaller fracture gaps compared with miniplate fixation.

Comments on Lee et al.: Lateral fixation of AO type-B2 ankle fractures: the Acutrak plus compression screw technique

We read with interest the article of Lee et al. [1] regarding fixation of fibula in a type B2 ankle fracture and would like to commend the authors for exploring a new technique of fixation in these fractures. The authors claim that the differential pitch of the screw resulted in compression at the fracture site [1]. But considering that it is inserted into the medullary cavity, the 6.5-mm Acutrak screw may not have a purchase in the distal fibula (at the entry point) if the fibula is wider, as may be the case in some patients, leading to rotational instability [2]. Moreover there may be a serious risk of splintering the lower end of fibula if such fixation is used in patients where the lower end is not wide enough to accommodate a 6.5-mm screw. We also have concerns about the use of these screws in fractures that are long oblique in configuration or grossly comminuted. An intramedullary fixation in long oblique fractures will lead to translation of the fracture in either plane depending on the plane of obliquity [2, 3]. It would be interesting to know in how many patients with oblique/spiral/comminuted fractures did the authors use any supplementary fixation and if these patients ever demanded a removal of the supplementary fixation. Another issue is regarding need for implant removal after fixation. Though none of the authors’ 23 patients demanded implant removal, we anticipate technical difficulty if implant removal is contemplated, considering the new bone formation that would occur at the screw insertion site due to burying of the screw head. We expect need for more dissection and potential bone and ligament damage during implant removal, if this became necessary. Considering that headless screws were used with advantages of smaller incision and compression at the fracture site, we would like the authors view as to whether cannulated cancellous screws could be used in their place with their heads countersunk. Cannulated cancellous screws are easily available and a cost-effective alternative to these screws. Was a cost–benefit analysis of the method of fixation used done with other methods such as plate fixation or lag screw fixation. Furthermore, two screws are required for the rotational stability [4]. The authors demonstrated excellent results with this method of fixation in their patients. In previous studies of similar fracture patterns in the elderly, a good fracture reduction was obtained in more than 95% of patients (n = 45) using Knowles pins with a reasonably small incision (4.2 cm) and no complications or prominent hardware [5]. Similar good results were reported by the authors in another study on open type B2 fractures with Knowles pins with only one patient (n = 25) complaining of symptomatic hardware problems [6]. Krenk et al. conducted a study using a minimally invasive distal fibular plate and reported small incisions were required with no complications, no symptomatic hardware and no hardware removal in their 19 patients [7]. We would like to question the recommendation of the use of Acutrak screws considering that it has been propagated for only a single subtype of fracture of fibula in this study with exclusions of comminuted fractures, open fractures, and patients with syndesmotic injury. We would like to point out that a plate has been used in fixation of all these types of fractures with good results [2, 3]. So is it worthwhile to have another gadget in the operating room for fixation of a particular subtype of fracture which can be fixed with other methods as well? In our opinion, this technique cannot be recommended for use unless a cost–benefit analysis proves its utility.

Clinical conundrum

A 6-month-old Labrador Retriever presented with a history of left thoracic limb lameness following a road traffic accident. The employment of skeletal and lag screw fixation on diaphyseal and epicondylar avulsion fractures are described.

Management of displaced comminuted patellar fracture with titanium cable cerclage

Management of a displaced comminuted patellar fracture is challenging. Tension band wiring and lag screw fixation are not suitable for such a fracture pattern. Stainless steel wiring with various configurations has been the mainstay of treatment. However, issues of loss of fixation and breakage of wire have not been resolved yet. Partial or total patellectomy is the last resort with a detrimental effect on quadriceps power. Braided titanium cable is stronger in tensile strength and better in fatigue resistance than the stainless steel monofilament wire, and the tension of fixation could be controlled by a graded instrument in its application. We used titanium cable to treat 21 consecutive patients with displaced comminuted patellar fracture. Patients were followed up for a mean period of 24 months (12 to 32 months). The mean score at the final follow-up was 27 points (25 to 30) using the Böstman method. There was no complication except breakage of one cable at the sixth week after the operation and the fracture had united despite the breakage. This technique is simple and effective for these difficult fractures and avoided prolonged immobilisation of the knee.