Simple Transverse Fractures Research Articles

Low-Profile, Suture Anchor Tension Band Construct for Olecranon Fractures and Osteotomies

Olecranon fractures are common and frequently require surgical intervention when they are displaced or unstable. Treatment is largely dictated by fracture type and surgeon preference. Traditional methods of fixation, including tension band wiring and locking plate fixation, have adequate union rates; however, both techniques are associated with increased reoperation rates due to symptomatic hardware. The aim of this article is to describe a technique using a low-profile, suture anchor tension band construct for simple transverse olecranon fractures, triceps avulsions, and olecranon osteotomies. The goal of this technique is to produce stable fixation and allow early range of motion while mitigating the reoperation rate caused by symptomatic or prominent hardware with olecranon plate fixation during fracture and olecranon osteotomies.

Treatment of olecranon fractures using an intramedullary cancellous screw and suture tension band: minimum 2-year follow-up

Tension band wiring and plates are the most widely used treatments for transverse displaced fractures of olecranon despite high rates of hardware complications, subsequent implant removal, and associated costs. The purpose of this study was to report the outcomes of displaced transverse olecranon fractures treated with intramedullary screw and suture tension band. We performed an observational, retrospective, consecutive, monocentric, continuous multioperator study. We reviewed 31 Mayo type IIA displaced olecranon fractures treated in our institution with intramedullary 6.5 mm AO cancellous screw and high-strength suture tension band (No. 2 FiberWire®) from 2016 to 2018. Inclusion was limited to functionally independent patients with Mayo type IIA fractures and minimum 24-month follow-up for implant removal. We assessed clinical outcomes including range of motion; QuickDASH score; and Mayo Elbow Performance Score. Categorical data were analyzed with Fisher's exact test when appropriate. Continuous data were analyzed with the Student t-test or Mann-Whitney U test after assessment for normality. Statistical analysis was performed with STATA 16 software. Twenty-seven patients with a mean follow-up period of 38.4 ± 6.2 months (range, 24.1-50 months) were included in the study. The average flexion was 134.5° ± 14.8° (range, 70°-140°) and the mean extension was-5.9° ± 7.0° (range,-20°-0°). Mean pronation and supination were 85.8° ± 11.9° (range, 45°-90°) and 86.9° ± 14.3° (range, 20°-90°), respectively. The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 90.8 ± 9.6 (range, 70-100) with 92.3% good and excellent results. The mean QuickDASH score was 17.1 ± 16 (range, 0-54.5). There were 3 hardware-related removals (11.1%). The overall removal rate was 18.5%. Univariate analysis of the factors associated with implant removal were pain in relation to the implant (60% vs. 11%, P = 0.0482), proximal screw migration (3.7 mm vs. 1.7 mm, P= 0.05), articular angle (22.5° vs. 27.7°, P= 0.0353), and olecranon width (22.2 mm vs. 24.4 mm, P= 0.0166). In total, 26.1% of the cases presented some degree of proximal migration of the implant (2.7 ± 1.8 mm of migration; range, 1.5-6.2 mm). Univariate analysis of the factors associated with implant proximal migration were proximal ulnar dorsal angulation (1.7° vs. 6.4°, P= 0.0179), anteroposterior endomedullary canal (7.3 mm vs. 6.0 mm, P= 0.0369), and lateral endomedullary canal (7.2 mm vs. 5.0 mm, P= 0.0219). The functional outcomes of simple transverse olecranon fractures treated with an intramedullary cancellous screw and a suture tension band are excellent, associated with a low rate of complications and material removal.

Biomechanical Comparison of a Notched Head Locking T-Plate and a Straight Locking Compression Plate in a Juxta-Articular Fracture Model.

This investigation compared the biomechanical properties of a 2.0 mm locking compression notched head T-plate (NHTP) and 2.0 mm straight locking compression plate (LCP), in a simple transverse juxta-articular fracture model. Two different screw configurations were compared for the NHTP and LCP, modelling short (configuration 1) and long working length (configuration 2). Constructs were tested in compression, perpendicular and tension non-destructive four point bending and torsion. Plate surface strain was measured at 12 regions of interest (ROI) using three-dimensional digital image correlation. Stiffness and strain were compared between screw configurations within and between each plate. The LCP was stiffer than the NHTP in all three planes of bending and torsion (p < 0.05). The NHTP had greater strain than the LCP during compression bending and torsion at all ROI (p < 0.0005). The short working length was stiffer in all three planes of bending and in torsion (p < 0.05) than the longer working length for both plates. The long working length showed greater strain than the short working length at most ROI. In this experimental model, a 2.0 mm LCP with two screws in the short fragment was significantly stiffer and had lower plate strain than a 2.0 mm NHTP with three screws in the short fragment. Extending the working length significantly reduced construct stiffness and increased plate strain. These findings may guide construct selection.

Generation of Closed Transverse Fractures in Small Animals.

The most common procedure that has been developed for use in rats and mice to model fracture healing is described. The nature of the regenerative processes that may be assessed and the types of research questions that may be addressed with this model are briefly outlined. The detailed surgical protocol to generate closed simple transverse fractures is presented and general considerations when setting up an experiment using this model are described.

NOVEL TECHNIQUES DEMONSTRATE SUPERIOR FIXATION OF SIMPLE TRANSVERSE PATELLAR FRACTURES - A BIOMECHANICAL STUDY

Introduction: Traditional tension band wiring (TBW) remains the gold standard treatment for simple transverse patellar fractures. Challenges include appropriately siting and bending Kirschner wires without damaging surrounding soft tissues. Damage to soft tissues and malposition of metalwork can lead to complications. We propose three novel techniques for fixation of these fractures to ease application without additional resources to traditional TBW. We tested their biomechanical integrity against traditional TBW.

Novel techniques demonstrate superior fixation of simple transverse patella fractures - A biomechanical study

IntroductionTraditional tension band wiring (TBW) remains the gold standard treatment for simple transverse patella fractures. Challenges include appropriately siting and bending Kirschner wires without damaging surrounding soft tissues. Damage to soft tissues and malposition of metalwork can lead to complications. We propose three novel techniques for fixation of simple transverse patella fractures to ease application without additional resources to traditional TBW. We tested their biomechanical integrity against traditional TBW. MethodFour configurations were tested; two with longitudinal Kirschner Wires (LKW) and two with cross Kirschner Wires (CKW) fixed with either standard figure-of-eight (AO) or side TBW (STBW). An initial proof of concept human cadaveric study was conducted to ensure real world application of the constructs was feasible. The fracture fixations were tested in a biomechanical study using porcine knees. The knees were cyclically loaded in a specially designed test rig through flexion from 90 to 45 degrees. Fracture gap displacement was measured and data blindly analyzed for all tests reaching 100 cycles. Results17/22 specimens reached 100 cycles with peak loading ranging from 75 to 80 N. CKW with STBW performed best with average fracture displacement of 0.43 mm. LKW with STBW performed worst with average fracture displacement of 1.93 mm. The incremental displacement/cycle for both CKW configurations was 0.27 mm compared to 0.41 & 0.60 mm for both LKW constructs showing that the CKW configuration conferred greater fixation stiffness under cyclic loading. DiscussionPrevious studies have compared alternative methods of patella fracture fixation to TBW through biomechanical superiority often requiring new resources. The methods tested here utilize the same resources as those for standard AO TBW. Reorientating the plane of the wires and position of the cerclage TBW may reduce iatrogenic soft tissue injury; reduce operating time and the risk of complications. ConclusionThis study shows biomechanical superiority for CKW with either AO or STBW compared to LKW.

A novel technique of using a miniature plate in combination with tension band wiring to treat comminuted patellar fractures.

Traditionally, tension band fixation has been used for treating simple fracture patterns; however, fixation remains a challenge, especially for comminuted fractures. We describe a new method of operation using a combination of a miniature plate with tension band wiring to treat comminuted patellar fractures. The aim of this technique is to transform complicate fractures into simple transverse fractures. As far as we know, no studies using a similar method have been found.The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a novel technique in which a miniature plate is used in combination with tension band wiring to treat comminuted patellar fractures.Between March 2013 and May 2015, 16 patients with closed, displaced, comminuted fractures of the patella were included in the present study. All subjects underwent fixation using a combination of a miniature plate with a tension band wire. Knee function and patient status were evaluated at 12 months using the Böstman knee score and Lysholm knee scale.The average follow-up period was 15.6 months (range, 12–20 months). At the 12-month follow-up, bone healing was satisfactory in all patients. The average postoperative Lysholm score was 91.6 ± 1.4 (range, 84–97). The average postoperative Böstman scale score was 26.4 ± 0.5 (range, 22–30), thereby indicating excellent results in 4 patients and good results in 12. No patients required reoperation.The results demonstrate that this new technique is an effective and safe treatment option for comminuted patella fractures, as it is associated with good clinical outcomes.

Complex fractures of the acetabulum: Should the enlarged iliofemoral approach be abandoned? Results at 20 years' follow-up.

Among the various options for internal fixation of acetabular fractures, the enlarged iliofemoral approach is less often used, being more invasive, although providing greater exposure enabling control of all components in complex fractures. Even so, the impact of its invasiveness has not been confirmed, and long-term results are not known. We therefore performed a retrospective study, aiming: to assess long-term functional outcome, and; to assess associated morbidity. The enlarged iliofemoral approach allows precise reduction, with favorable long-term outcome. Between 1992 and 1997, 15 patients were operated on for complex acetabular fracture by a single surgeon using an enlarged iliofemoral approach. Two patients were excluded due to lack of follow-up data, leaving 13 patients for analysis: 3 simple transverse fractures, 4 transverse+posterior wall fractures, 4 anterior column+posterior hemi-transverse fractures, one T-shaped fracture and one 2-column fracture. There were 4 cases of posterior dislocation of the hip, and 8 of intrapelvic protrusion. Surgical morbidity was assessed in terms of operative time, number of packed red blood cell transfusions, iatrogenic lesions or postoperative complications, rehabilitation time, and hospital stay. Functional assessment at follow-up used the WOMAC index and Harris score; radiologic assessment used the Kellgren-Lawrence score for osteoarthritis and Brooker score for ossification. Reduction was in all cases anatomic. There were no intra- or post-operative complications. Median number of packed red blood cell transfusions was 5 [range, 3-10]. Median operative time was 4hours [3-6]. Median hospital stay was 6 weeks [6-8], to allow systematic traction with early postoperative mobilization. Weight-bearing was resumed at a median 8 weeks [8-12]. At a median 22 years' follow-up [20-24], median Harris score was 83.5 [63-92] and median WOMAC index 24.5 [1-52]. All patients showed Brooker 1 or 2 ectopic ossification and moderate osteoarthritis. Two underwent subsequent arthroplasty (at 1 and 11 years after the index procedure). The enlarged iliofemoral approach allowed anatomic reduction of acetabular fracture. It provided very good long-term results, without excessive morbidity. IV, retrospective non-controlled study.

Outcome of open reduction and internal reduction with plating in fractures of shaft of humerus

Background and Objectives: Fractures of shaft of humerus consists of 1% - 3% of all fractures. Despite the numerous surgical modalities, plate osteosynthesis remains the gold standard for fixation of humerus shaft fractures. The aim of this study is to see the functional results of humerus shaft fractures treated with plating, reemphasizes the effectiveness of plate osteosynthesis in the management of humeral shaft fractures so as to restore the patient structurally and functionally to near normal status. Materials and Methods: This is retrospective and prospective study of 30 cases of fractures of shaft of humerus admitted at S.S.G. Hospital, Vadodara, Gujarat in between july 2015 to june 2016. Cases were sleceted as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. All patients were operated using posterior or anterolateral approach. They were assessed radiologically and clinically for fracture union at regular intervals of 6 wks, 12 wks and 18wks by using DR. R.N. Deweshwar’s Score.Results: Our study of 30 cases, there were 25 men and 5 women, with average age of 39 years.16 (53.33%) patients were admitted due to fall from height,12 (40%) due to road traffic accidents and 2 (6.66%) patients due to assult with predominance of right side 20(66.66%) patients. Out of 30 cases 21(70%) patients of middle third, 7 (23.33%) were lower third, and 2 (6.66%) were upper third. 28 patients having close fractures and 2 have open injury. simple transverse fractures were most common that is 12(40%).10 (33.33%) patients were having associate injuries. The fracture united in 29(96.66%) patients with 1 (3.33%) patient going for non union. Good and full range of shoulder and elbow movements was present in 28 (93.33%) patients with 2 patients having fair shoulder range of movement and 2 patients having fair elbow range of movement. Conclusion: Open reduction internal fixation with plating is an excellent mode of treatment in fracture of shaft of humerus, which consistently gives long term good results.

Mind the gap between the fracture line and the length of the working area: a 2-D finite element analysis using an extramedullary fixation model

ObjectiveTo determine the ideal working area for a simple transverse fracture line treated with a bridge plate. MethodsA 2-D finite element analysis of a hypothetical femur was performed for the quantitative evaluation of a large-fragment titanium alloy locking plate based on the precept of relative stability in a case of a simple transverse diaphyseal fracture. Two simulations (one case of strain and another case of stress distribution) were analyzed in three unique situations according to the von Mises stress theory. Load distributions were observed when the bone was subjected to a single vertical load of 1000N. ResultsThe longer the length of the implant flexion, which coincided with the working area of the plate, the greater the flexion of the implant. The highest concentrations of stress on the plate occurred in the region around the screws closest to the bone gap. The closer the screws to the fracture site, the greater the demands on the plate. ConclusionWhen using a large-fragment titanium alloy locking plate to stabilize a simple transverse fracture based on the precept of relative stability (bridge plate), there must be considerable distance between the proximal and distal screws closest to the fracture line. The farther away this fixation is, the lower the stress on the plate and the greater the dissipation of force in the form of deflection.

Cannulated Screws and Braided Polyester Tension Band as an Alternative for Fixation of Transverse Patella Fracture: A Finite Element Analysis Study

BACKGROUND: Modified tension band wiring is a common surgical technique forfixation of patella fractures; however, various complications have been associated withmetal implants in this configuration. Modification of techniques and non-metallicimplants have been proposed in order to reduce hardware associated complications whileoptimizing fixation strength. Our study investigated the biomechanical strengthprovided by various modifications of figure-of-eight tension band constructs.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A finite element (FE) model of normal patella wasreconstructed based on CT images of a 46-year old man. Mathematical variations fromconversion of actual DICOM images into 3D geometric mesh were recorded. Simpletransverse fracture at the midpole was established with a 0.5 mm fracture gap. Twointerfragmentary fixations were made by using: 1) 2.0 mm K-Wires or 2) 4.0 mm. cannulatedcancellous screws. Figure-of-eight loop with 1.25 mm stainless-steel wire or FiberWireno.5 were allocated to each group. Figure of-eight loops in the K-wire group were invertical orientation while figure-of-eight loops in the cannulated screw group were inhorizontal orientation. These combinations constituted four different FE models. Analysiswas done on each model under the same environment, which was a 400N load on eachfragment at 45o flexion. Implant stress/strain and material deformation were determined.RESULTS: The models with cannulated screws have von Mises stress on implant thatis three times less than those with K-wires. The least von Mises stress occurred on thecombined cannulated screws and horizontal FiberWire loop model (471.2 MPa). Thiscombination also provided least deformation to loading condition (0.1267 mm).Traditional construct with K-wires and metal wire loop was found to have maximalstress (1422.9 MPa) and maximal deformation (0.3856 mm).CONCLUSION: Cannulated screws combined with FiberWire figure-of-eight loopoffers favorably low implant stress. Our findings demonstrate superior stability andresistance to implant failure of the construct. This low-profile tension band fixation couldbe a good alternative for transverse patella fracture.

TIBIAL DIAPHYSEAL FRACTURES;

Objectives: To evaluate the management of tibial diaphyseal fractures treated byPOP cast versus intramedullary nailing in terms of time of union. Design of study: Randomizedcontrolled trials. Setting: Department of Orthopaedic, Allied / DHQ Hospital, Faisalabad.Duration of Study: Six months (01-08-2013 to 31-01-2014). Materials and Methods: 80patients fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. After laboratoryand radiological assessment, the patients in Group 1 were treated by long leg cast. The patientsin Group 2 were treated with intramedullary interlocking nail. The patients were followed on OPDbasis. Results: 80 patients divided into 2 groups. Each group had 40 patients. Mean age ofpatients was 30.99 ±8.092 years. There were total of 65% males and 35% females in this study.According to geometry of fractures simple transverse fractures were 47.5%, spiral fractureswere 17.5%, oblique fractures were 25% and segmental fractures were 10%. There were 71.25%closed fracture and 28.75% type l open fractures. Mean time of union was 23.86 ± 5.48 weeks ingroup 1 while in group 2, mean time of union was 18.35 ± 4.12 weeks. P-value was 0.001 whichis statistically significant. Conclusion: It is concluded that reamed intramedullary interlockingnailing is a good mode of internal fixation comparing with conservative management of closereduction and POP cast in both close and type I open fractures in terms of union.

English

Objectives: To evaluate the management of tibial diaphyseal fractures treated byPOP cast versus intramedullary nailing in terms of time of union. Design of study: Randomizedcontrolled trials. Setting: Department of Orthopaedic, Allied / DHQ Hospital, Faisalabad.Duration of Study: Six months (01-08-2013 to 31-01-2014). Materials and Methods: 80patients fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study. After laboratoryand radiological assessment, the patients in Group 1 were treated by long leg cast. The patientsin Group 2 were treated with intramedullary interlocking nail. The patients were followed on OPDbasis. Results: 80 patients divided into 2 groups. Each group had 40 patients. Mean age ofpatients was 30.99 ±8.092 years. There were total of 65% males and 35% females in this study.According to geometry of fractures simple transverse fractures were 47.5%, spiral fractureswere 17.5%, oblique fractures were 25% and segmental fractures were 10%. There were 71.25%closed fracture and 28.75% type l open fractures. Mean time of union was 23.86 ± 5.48 weeks ingroup 1 while in group 2, mean time of union was 18.35 ± 4.12 weeks. P-value was 0.001 whichis statistically significant. Conclusion: It is concluded that reamed intramedullary interlockingnailing is a good mode of internal fixation comparing with conservative management of closereduction and POP cast in both close and type I open fractures in terms of union.

Observe a distância entre a linha de fratura e o comprimento da área de trabalho: análise bidimensional de elementos finitos em modelo de fixação extramedular

ObjectiveTo determine the ideal working area for a simple transverse fracture line treated with a bridge plate. MethodsA 2‐D finite element analysis of a hypothetical femur was performed for the quantitative evaluation of a large‐fragment titanium alloy locking plate based on the precept of relative stability in a case of a simple transverse diaphyseal fracture. Two simulations (one case of strain and another case of stress distribution) were analyzed in three unique situations according to the von Mises stress theory. Load distributions were observed when the bone was subjected to a single vertical load of 1,000N. ResultsThe longer the length of the implant flexion, which coincided with the working area of the plate, the greater the flexion of the implant. The highest concentrations of stress on the plate occurred in the region around the screws closest to the bone gap. The closer the screws to the fracture site, the greater the demands on the plate. ConclusionWhen using a large‐fragment titanium alloy locking plate to stabilize a simple transverse fracture based on the precept of relative stability (bridge plate), there must be considerable distance between the proximal and distal screws closest to the fracture line. The farther away this fixation is, the lower the stress on the plate and the greater the dissipation of force in the form of deflection.

Primary exploration for radial nerve palsy associated with unstable closed humeral shaft fracture.

The treatment of radial nerve palsy caused by closed humeral shaft fracture is a matter of debate. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcome of early surgical management of radial nerve palsy in patients with unstable closed humeral shaft fractures and to determine whether patients with this injury should be surgically explored. Medical records of 15 consecutive patients who had undergone open reduction and internal fixation for unstable closed humeral shaft fractures were reviewed. Injury mechanisms, radiographs, intraoperative findings of the injured nerve, and clinical improvement were analyzed. Of the 15 patients, two were injured during simple falls, two during baseball pitching, one by a fall from a height, one during skiing, and one by direct machine impaction during work. Fracture locations were middle humerus in six patients, middle-distal in eight patients, and middle-proximal in one patient. Fracture patterns were transverse fracture in six patients, butterfly segment fracture in four patients, oblique segment fracture in three patients, and spiral fracture in two patients. Eleven patients showed macroscopically intact nerves, and four had total nerve transection. All four patients with total nerve transection were injured in traffic accident. Of these four patients, one showed comminuted fracture with butterfly fragment on the middle-distal shaft and the other three showed displaced transverse fracture on the middle to middle-distal shaft area. Transected nerves were directly repaired in two patients. In the other two patients, humerus shortening and nerve grafting were performed because of mangled nerve endings. All patients who had intact nerves showed fully recovered function at the last follow-up. For radial nerve palsy accompanied by unstable humeral shaft fracture, primary exploration of the radial nerve and open reduction and plate fixation of the fracture should be considered as a treatment of choice. High-energy trauma, fracture location at the middle-distal humerus, and simple transverse fracture or comminuted fracture with butterfly fragment seems to be risk factors for radial nerve transection.

Tension Band Wiring Vs Reconstruction Plate for the Treatment of Proximal Ulna and Olecranon Fractures

Aims: To clinically compare the result of tension band wiring technique for simple transverse fracture of olecranon and proximal ulna & plate fixation for comminuted fracture of olecranon and proximal ulna and to discuss the merits and demerits of each procedure. Materials and Methods: 30 consecutive cases of the fracture of the olecranon or proximal ulna of skeletally mature patients of either sex, admitted in the Department of Orthopaedics, Rajindra Hospital and Government Medical College, Patiala were taken up for the study. Patients with Olecranon fractures were distributed alternative into two groups. Group A was managed by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with tension band wiring (TBW), while group B was treated with ORIF with 3.5 mm reconstruction plate. All patients were assessed both clinically with measurement of flexion-extension and pronation- supination arcs and radiologically with elbow X-Rays. Functional outcome was estimated using the criteria laid by Weseley et al (1976), modified by Wolfgang et al (1987). Results: Thirty patients (m: 20, f: 10) with a mean age of 43.7 years were operated. They were assessed at 12 weeks. Final result was Excellent in 20 patients (66.7%)., Good in 7 patients (23.3%) and Fair in 3 patients (10%).The fracture olecranon was more common with direct blow on posterior aspect of the elbow (46.7%) . Radiological union occurred in all the 30 cases with average union time 13.06 weeks in group A and 13.6 weeks in group B. The complications occured in 11 (36.7%) cases with group A reporting higher number of complications than group B. Conclusion: Tension band wiring fixation remains the gold standard for the treatment of simple transverse fractures while reconstruction plate is more effective treatment option for improved outcome,

Biomechanical analysis of tension band wiring (TBW) of transverse fractures of patella

PurposeTension band wiring is commonly used for fixation of simple transverse fractures. The popular configuration is parallel Kirschner wires (K-wires) and a stainless steel wire loop placed in a vertically oriented figure-of-8. MethodsWe used a wooden model of a patella with a midway transverse fracture and compared four different types of fixation. The first construct had a vertical figure-of-8 with one twist of wire. The second contained a vertical figure-of-8 with two twists of wire. The third was a vertical figure-of-8 with two twists of wire placed at adjacent corners while the last one had a horizontal figure-of-8 with two twists of wire placed at adjacent corners. Interfragmentary compression at the point of wire breakage was measured for each construct as well as permanent displacement on cyclic loading. ResultsPlacement of the figure-of-eight in a horizontal orientation with two wire twists at the corner improved interfragmentary compression by 63% (p < 0.05, Tukey post hoc test). On cyclic loading, all the constructs with vertical figure-of-eight but none with a horizontal construct failed (p = 0.01; Fisher's exact test). Permanent fracture displacement after cyclic loading was 67% lower with horizontal figure-of-eight constructs (p < 0.05; t test). ConclusionPlacing wire twists at the corner and a horizontal placement of figure-of-8 improves stability of the construct.

Treating patella fractures with a fixed-angle patella plate—A prospective observational study

IntroductionAnterior tension wiring using Kirschner wires (K-wires) is still considered the standard treatment for patella fractures, despite its high complication rate. The objective of this prospective clinical study was to evaluate intra- and perioperative complications as well as the clinical outcome of patients with patella fracture treated with a new developed bilateral, polyaxial, fixed-angle 2.7mm patella plate. Patients and methodsBetween 2011 and 2014 all patients with a patella fracture were included in this prospective study and treated with a fixed-angle patella plate. Avulsion fractures of the inferior or superior pole of the patella were excluded. All fractures were classified according to the AO/OTA fracture classification. During a twelve-month follow up period all intra- and postoperative complications were recorded as well as the time until fracture healing. One year postoperatively the Lysholm Score, the pre- and postoperative Tegner Score, the Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Score (HSS), the Turba Score, the Oxford Knee Score, the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), the Bostman Score and the Iowa Knee Score were surveyed. Altogether, 20 patella fractures in 19 patients were included in this prospective study. The most frequent type of fracture, n=10, was a simple transverse patella fracture (C1), followed by 7 comminuted patella fractures (C3) and 3 T-shaped patella fractures (C2). ResultsDuring the 12-month follow up period two patients treated with the patella plate had a complication. In one patient a superficial wound infection occurred, which was treated successfully with hardware removal and in one patient a fracture dislocation due to an implant failure occurred. X-rays demonstrated complete bony healing in all fractures on average 3.2 months postoperatively. All knee scores showed good to excellent clinical results one year postoperatively. ConclusionThe results of this first clinical study indicate that the fixed-angle patella plate is an effective and safe treatment option for patella fractures with a short operative learning curve. The treatment of communited patella fractures (C3) with a fixed-angle patella plate should be well-considered to avoid distending the indication and biomechanical properties.

Optimizing compression: Comparing eccentric plate holes and external tensioning devices

ObjectiveElimination of interfragmentary motion in fracture fixation using plates to impart compression and promote primary bone healing through absolute stability has been well described as a reliable and successful method to treat simple transverse and short oblique fracture morphologies. Our hypothesis is that dynamic compression plating augmented by external compression techniques would produce and maintain a significantly greater amount of compression than using the plate alone. MethodsSimple transverse diayphyseal fractures were simulated in nine 4th generation composite bone models. A load cell was placed within the transverse fracture osteotomy and stabilized and compressed using either eccentric screw placement in a dynamic compression plate alone or augmented with an opposite segment Verbrugge clamp or articulated tensioning device (ATD) compressing using a screw outside of the plate. Dynamic plate compression was evaluated independently and in conjunction with the external compression techniques. Statistical analyses were carried out using a linear mixed effects model and pairwise comparisons between conditions with a significance set at a P-value <0.05. ResultsBoth of the external compression techniques (Verbrugge and ATD) achieved significantly higher compression than the plate compression technique alone with 78% (P<0.001) and 134% (P<0.001) more compression respectively. The measured compression across the osteotomy after screw application and removal of external compression decreases by 17% for the Verbrugge device (P=0.215) and by 22%, after removal of the ATD device (P=0.038). For both techniques, adding additional screws in eccentric (load) position further increases compression. ConclusionPlate compression is a reliable method for inducing compression across transverse and short oblique fractures. Augmenting plate compression technique with external compression techniques (Verbrugge clamp or ATD) allows for a significantly greater compressive load to be achieved. Compression lost after removal of the external compression device indicates that the maximal compression attainable across a fracture may not be reliably maintained with standard dynamic compression plating techniques.

Suture Repair of Simple Transverse Olecranon Fractures and Chevron Olecranon Osteotomy.

Tension band wiring of simple transverse olecranon fractures results in a high reoperation rate due to hardware problems. A technique using high-strength braided polyester and polyethylene suture through a bone tunnel has been piloted. This technique is suitable for simple transverse olecranon fractures or olecranon osteotomy with stability of the ulnohumeral articulation. A transverse drill hole was made in the ulna with a 2.5-mm drill. Fracture fixation was achieved using 2 braided synthetic sutures passed through the bone tunnel and grasping the insertion of the triceps tendon. The outcome measures used were Oxford Elbow score and QuickDASH score. Ten consecutive patients with a mean age of 47 years (range, 18 to 88 y) were included. The mean follow-up was 19 months (range, 14 to 30 mo). All fractures were clinically and radiographically united by 6 weeks. One malunion occurred. The mean Oxford score was 41 (20 to 48). The mean QuickDASH Score was 9 (0 to 20). This technique provides a safe and reliable alternative to conventional tension band wiring with no reoperations required in a pilot series.