Tension Band Wiring Group Research Articles

Cannulated compression screws with cable technique leads to a dramatic reduction in patella fracture fixation complications compared to tension band wiring.

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical, radiological and functional outcomes between cannulated compression screw with cable construct (CS) and tension band wiring (TBW) in transverse patella fractures. A retrospective study was conducted on patients surgically treated for AO/OTA 34C1 or 34C2 transverse patella fractures with CS or TBW technique between January 2019 and January 2023. Clinical outcomes included complications related to the implant, wound and fracture at 6 months and 1 year, time to achieving full weight bearing status and early perioperative clinical outcomes. Radiological outcomes included the time to fracture heals and delayed union. Functional outcome measures using the Oxford Knee Scale, 36-short form questionnaire and the Bartlett Anterior Knee Score were assessed. 73 patients were treated with CS (n = 33) or TBW (n = 40). TBW had higher complication rates: 25.0% (n = 10) required implant removal, 12.5% (n = 5) had wire breakage, 12.5% (n = 5) experienced fracture displacement while 52.5% (n = 21) experienced implant migration. In contrast, no CS patients had implant removals, wire breakage or fracture displacement and 3.0% (n = 1) experienced implant migration. At 1day post-operatively, 87.9% (n = 29) CS group patients were able to ambulate as compared to the 55.0% (n = 22) of TBW patients. Furthermore, CS patients ambulated further distances at 11.8 ± 10.6m than the TBW group (6.4 ± 7.4m). The CS group (25.9 ± 24.6 days) also achieved full weight bearing status faster than the TBW group (43.6 ± 39.4 days). The time taken for the fracture to heal and functional outcomes were comparable among the two groups. The CS technique demonstrated lower complications, in particular, no CS patient had implant removals, wire migration or fracture displacement. Additionally, CS technique showed a faster return to ambulation and time to achieving full weight bearing status.

Comparative analysis of tension band wiring and hook plate fixation in ulnar styloid fractures: a focus on fracture type.

Various surgical techniques for ulnar styloid fractures (USFs) fixation have recently been developed, the actual clinical outcomes have not been discussed in detail. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of tension band wiring (TBW) and hook plate fixation in the treatment of USFs and to explore effective management strategies for these fractures. We retrospectively reviewed 109 patients with styloid process fractures from March 2016 to July 2020. Among them, patients aged 21-75 years who required surgical intervention for USFs with distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability, with or without accompanying distal radius fracturs (DRFs), were included. The patients were treated with either TBW (group T) or hook plate fixation (group P). The fractures were classified into four types based on their location and complexity. Postoperative assessments were conducted using radiographic analysis to monitor fracture healing. Clinical evaluations, including range of motion (ROM), grip strength, and patient-reported outcomes using the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand scores and the visual analog scale for pain, were performed, at multiple time points up to a year after surgery. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare outcomes across fracture types and treatment methods. Osseous union was achieved in 96% of the patients. Specifically, the time to union in types 3 and 4 fractures was significantly shorter in group P than in group T. Functionally, ROM assessments showed similar flexion-extension in both groups but better pronation-supination in group T. Grip strength and patient-reported outcomes did not show significant differences between the groups. TBW offers slight ROM benefits for type 2 USFs, whereas hook plate fixation provides superior stability for complex types 3 and 4 USFs. Despite the minimal differences in ROM, the enhanced advantages of the hook plate fixation make it the preferred choice for severe fractures, ensuring faster healing.

The effect of Ding’s screws and tension band wiring for treatment of olecranon fractures: a biomechanical study

Although tension band wiring (TBW) is popular and recommended by the AO group, the high rate of complications such as skin irritation and migration of the K-wires cannot be ignored. Ding’s screw tension band wiring (DSTBW) is a new TBW technique that has shown positive results in the treatment of other fracture types. The objective of this study was to evaluate the stability of DSTBW in the treatment of olecranon fractures by biomechanical testing. We conducted a Synbone biomechanical model by using three fixation methods: DSTBW, intramedullary screw and tension band wiring (IM-TBW), and K-wire TBW, were simulated to fix the olecranon fractures. We compared the mechanical stability of DSTBW, IM-TBW, and TBW in the Mayo Type IIA olecranon fracture Synbone model using a single cycle loading to failure protocol or pullout force. During biomechanical testing, the average fracture gap measurements were recorded at varying flexion angles in three different groups: TBW, IM-TBW, and DSTBW. The TBW group exhibited measurements of 0.982 mm, 0.380 mm, 0.613 mm, and 1.285 mm at flexion angles of 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° respectively. The IM-TBW group displayed average fracture gap measurements of 0.953 mm, 0.366 mm, 0.588 mm, and 1.240 mm at each of the corresponding flexion angles. The DSTBW group showed average fracture gap measurements of 0.933 mm, 0.358 mm, 0.543 mm, and 1.106 mm at the same flexion angles. No specimen failed in each group during the cyclic loading phase. Compared with the IM-TBW and TBW groups, the DSTBW group showed significant differences in 60° and 90° flexion angles. The mean maximum failure load was 1229.1 ± 110.0 N in the DSTBW group, 990.3 ± 40.7 N in the IM-TBW group, and 833.1 ± 68.7 N in the TBW group. There was significant difference between each groups (p < 0.001).The average maximum pullout strength for TBW was measured at 57.6 ± 5.1 N, 480.3 ± 39.5 N for IM-TBW, and 1324.0 ± 43.8 N for DSTBW. The difference between maximum pullout strength of both methods was significant to p < 0.0001. DSTBW fixation provides more stability than IM-TBW and TBW fixation models for olecranon fractures.

Surgical Treatment for Simple Isolated and Displaced Olecranon Fractures: Comparison between Plate and Tension Band Wire Fixation.

Background: Olecranon fractures are common injuries of the upper limb in adults. Simple displaced trasverse fractures are generally surgically treated with tension-band wiring (TBW) or plate fixation (PF). The purpose of this retrospective study is to compare the clinical-functional outcome, complications and reoperation rates between TBW and PF for Mayo IIA fractures. Methods: 72 patients treated with PF or TBW at our institution, completed our survey and clinical evaluation and their demographic and clinical data were recorded and analysed. The clinical-functional outcomes were evaluated assessing ROMs and three validated scoring systems: the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) and the Patient American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Standardized Elbow Assessment score (pASES-e). Results: 38 patients (53%) underwent TBW and 34 (47%) PF. The mean DASH, MEPS and pASES-e scores were respectively 14.5 ± 17.2, 80.5 ± 14.7 and 83.6 ± 12.4 in the TBW group and 21 ± 21.7, 75.6 ± 15.3 and 75.1 ± 19.2 in the PF group (p = 0.16, p = 0.17 and p = 0.03). The mean duration of surgery and hospitalisation period were longer in the PF group (p = 0.002, p = 0.37) whereas the complication and reoperation rates were higher after TBW (p = 0.15, p = 0.24). Conclusions: According to the literature, both TBW and PF resulted comparable valid surgical options for the treatment of simple isolated displaced olecranon fractures. Our results corroborate previous findings, showing good/excellent outcomes without significant differences.

Outcomes of olecranon fractures in adolescents: comparison of tension band wiring and Herbert screw fixations.

Olecranon fracture is considered intra-articular when there is obvious displacement or an irregular articular surface. Such fractures should be reduced and fixed via surgery. No clear indications regarding the surgical technique to be adopted exist. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the outcomes of tension band wiring (TBW) and Herbert screw fixations for olecranon fractures. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 29 children with olecranon fractures. They were divided into the tension band wiring and Herbert screw groups. We assessed early epiphyseal closure and maximum length of the ulna using radiography. Patients were clinically evaluated using the average QuickDASH score. Both groups had good radiological outcomes. Herbert screws demonstrated advantages in terms of bleeding, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, surgery duration, and particularly the QuickDASH score (1.57 vs. 4.18, p < 0.05). Complications, including needle loosening and bursitis, occurred in five cases in the TBW group. Six cases had premature physis plate closure, and no difference was observed in limb length at 6 months after surgery. Compared with TBW, Hebert screws demonstrated better clinical outcomes and lesser postoperative complications in the treatment of ulnar olecranon fractures in children. However, long-term follow-up is required to assess the effects of screws on the ulnar physis plate and ulna length.

Individualized 3D-printed navigation template-assisted tension band wiring for olecranon fractures

Purpose3D printing techniques guide precision medicine and show great development potential in clinical applications. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes of 3D-printed navigation templates versus free-hand in tension band wiring (TBW) procedures for olecranon fractures.MethodsPatients who underwent TBW due to Mayo type II olecranon fractures between January 2019 and December 2021 in our hospital were prospectively enrolled in the study. The patients were divided into the 3D printed navigation template guiding TBW group (3D printed group) and the free-hand TBW group (free-hand group). The primary endpoint of this study was the success rate of the bicortical placement of Kirschner wires (K-wires). Times of intraoperative fluoroscopy, operation times, complications, VAS scores, and Mayo Elbow Performance Scores (MEPS) were analyzed as the secondary outcomes measure.ResultsThe success rate of the bicortical placement of K-wires was 85.7% in the 3D Printed group was significantly higher than the free-hand group (60%). There were fewer times of intraoperative fluoroscopy in the 3D Printed group (1.43 ± 0.51) than that in the free-hand group (2.60 ± 1.00) with statistical significance (P < 0.05). At the date of the last follow-up, four patients suffer from pain and skin injury at the K-wires insertion site in the 3D Printed group and 14 patients in the free-hand group, a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found in operation time, VAS scores, and MEPS between the two groups.ConclusionsThe individualized 3D-printed navigation template-assisted TBW demonstrated good accuracy and resulted in reduced times of intraoperative fluoroscopy and complication compared to the free-hand TBW for olecranon fractures.

Hybrid Tension Band Wiring for Olecranon Fractures.

Tension band wiring (TBW) is a standard surgical technique for treating olecranon fractures (OFs). We devised a hybrid TBW (HTBW) combining TBW using wires with eyelets and cerclage wiring. Twenty-six patients with isolated OFs with Colton classification groups 1-2C were subjected to HTBW, and the data was compared with those treated with conventional TBW (38 patients). The mean operation time and hardware removal rate were 51 versus 67 minutes (p < 0.001) and 42% versus 74% (p < 0.012), respectively. The HTBW group had one patient (4%) with surgical wire breakage. The conventional TBW group had 14 patients (37%) with symptomatic backout of Kirschner wires, three patients (8%) with loss of reduction, two patients (5%) with surgical site infection and one patient (3%) with ulnar nerve palsy. The motion and functional score ranges of the elbow were not significantly different. Therefore, this procedure may be a feasible alternative. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

Tension band wiring versus suture anchor technique in patellar inferior pole fracture: Novel double row suture anchor technique.

Patellar inferior pole fractures are challenging to obtain sufficient fixation. The purpose of this retrospective, case-controlled study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes between tension band wiring (TBW) and our novel double-row suture anchor (SA) technique in patellar inferior pole fractures. This retrospective study included patients who underwent TBW or SA fixation for patellar inferior pole fractures from 2015 to 2019. A total of 63 patients were divided into two groups according to the surgical procedure: the TBW group (n=35) and the SA fixation group (n=28). The visual analog scale score, range of motion of the knee, Lysholm score, Kujala patellofemoral score, and patient satisfaction score were evaluated for clinical and functional outcomes. Radiological outcomes included the time to radiological union, loss of reduction, and the Insall-Salvati (IS) ratio. Significant improvements in clinical outcomes were observed in both groups with no significant differences. Bone union was achieved in all patients, and there was no significant difference in the time to radiological union and the IS ratio between the two groups. All patients in the TBW group underwent additional surgeries for implant removal. However, none of the patients in the SA group underwent implant removal or experienced skin irritation. Our novel double-row SA technique could provide comparable fixation strength and good clinical outcomes, with fewer complications in patellar inferior pole fractures. This novel SA technique is a satisfactory alternative treatment for patellar inferior pole fractures.

Complications in Olecranon Fracture Surgery: A Comparison of Tension Band Vs. Plate Osteosynthesis.

The purpose of this study is to compare the incidence of complications associated with tension band wiring (TBW) versus plate osteosynthesis (POS) in the treatment of olecranon fractures. We performed a retrospective cohort study of operatively treated adult olecranon fractures from an integrated healthcare system by multiple surgeons from January 2008 to December 2011. Patients were divided into two cohorts: fractures fixed using the tension band technique and fractures fixed using plate osteosynthesis. The study was limited to the Orthopedic Trauma Association classification of olecranon fracture type 21-B1, with subtypes 1-3. Outcome measures were loss of fracture fixation requiring revision, postoperative infection, stiffness requiring surgery, and symptomatic hardware removal (HWR). Univariate and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to test the associations between the type of internal fixation and outcomes. A total of 321 olecranon fractures were included (median age: 61 years old, 57 % female); 153 participants were treated with TBW, and 168 patients with POS. There was one failure in the TBW group and two in the POS group (P=0.62). There were no significant differences in the infection rates (TBW 5%, POS 9%, P=0.20) and no reoperations for stiffness. The HWR occurred significantly more often in TBW (29%) than in POS (14%) (OR=0.39, P=0.001). The association between POS and decreased HWR remained highly significant (OR=0.40, P=0.003) after adjusting for clinical variables. In this large study comparing POS and TBW for 21-B1 olecranon fractures, no difference in fixation failure, infection, or postoperative stiffness was noted. A significantly greater risk of symptomatic hardware occurred in TBW. These findings may assist surgeons and patients in considering the risks and benefits of TBW and POS as treatment options for displaced olecranon fractures.

Complications and reoperations related to tension band wiring and plate osteosynthesis of olecranon fractures.

Olecranon fractures are common and usually treated operatively either by tension band wiring (TBW) or plate fixation (PF). The aim of this study was to assess early complications and reoperations and their predictive factors related to those operative methods. A retrospective analysis of all patients with an operatively treated olecranon fracture between 2007 and 2017 at Turku University hospital was performed. Reoperations, postoperative complications, and potential risk factors for these were recorded. A total of 434 patients (387 TBW and 47 PF) were identified. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of early complications (49% vs. 62%, P = .262) or reoperations (38% vs. 53%, P = .079) between patients treated with TBW and PF. In the TBW group, the intramedullary placement of Kirschner (K)-wires predisposed patients to complications compared to transcortical placement of the K-wires according to multivariate analysis (odds ratio [OR] 1.94, P = .026). Younger age was associated with the frequency of reoperations, the odds decreasing 24% for every 10 years of age (P < .001). Further, patients with high-energy trauma mechanisms were reoperated more often compared to patients with low-energy trauma (OR 2.99, P = .002). Also, excellent postoperative reduction was associated with higher reoperation rate than good or fair reduction (OR 0.48, P = .033). There is a high risk of early complications and reoperations associated to both TBW and PF. Transcortical positioning of K-wires may reduce the rate of complications in TBW.

A biomechanical study comparing the mean load to failure of two different osteosynthesis techniques for step-cut olecranon osteotomy

Olecranon osteotomies are frequently used to expose distal humeral intraarticular fractures. The step-cut olecranon osteotomy (SCOOT) is an augmented version of the oblique olecranon osteotomy, which has recently been evaluated biomechanically with tension band wiring (TBW) fixation. However, complications with TBW are common. In this study, we, therefore, compared the mean load to failure of TBW with compression screws for SCOOT fixation. We hypothesized a higher load to failure for the compression screw group. We performed a SCOOT on 36 Sawbones. Eighteen were fixed with TBW, and another 18 with two compression screws. The humeroulnar joint was simulated using an established test setup, which allows the application of triceps traction force through a tendon model to the ulna, while the humeroulnar joint is in a fixed position. Eight models of each fixation group were tested at 20°, and eight at 70° of flexion by isometrical loading until failure, which was defined as either a complete fracture or gap formation of more than 2 mm at the osteotomy site. At 20° of flexion, mean load to failure was similar between the TBW group (1360 ± 238 N) and the compression screw group (1401 ± 261 N) (P= .88). Also, at 70° of flexion, the mean load to failure wassimilar between the TBW group (1398 ± 215 N) and the compression screw group (1614 ± 427 N) (P= .28). SCOOTs fixed with TBW and compression screws showed similar loads to failure. A SCOOT fixed with compression screws might be a valuable alternative for surgeons when treating intraarticular distal humeral fractures. However, future invivo studies are necessary to confirm our results in a clinical setting.

More metalwork removals in patients with olecranon fracture treated by tension band wiring than plate fixation-a propensity score matching analysis

BackgroundTraditional tension band wiring and plate fixation represent the commonest methods for treating olecranon fractures. However, there is no agreement on which method provides the best outcome. The aim of this retrospective study is to compare the outcomes of tension band wiring (TBW) and plate fixation (PF) for treating displaced olecranon fractures. This is the first study to use propensity score matching analysis to compare treatment methods for olecranon fracture.MethodA total of 107 patients aged between 18 and 85 had acute isolated and displaced olecranon fractures. The patients were divided into either TBW (n = 49) or PF (n = 58) groups. To conduct propensity score matching for the treatment method (TBW versus PF), 58 patients were analyzed by logistic regression (29 patients in each group). Various demographic and treatment-related variables were examined and analyzed to determine their correlation.ResultsFunctional effects between two groups are similar (in terms of Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), the patients’ range of elbow motion (ROM) and forearm rotation (RFR), the time return to work (RTW)). The total adverse events rate and metalwork removal events rate are higher in TBW than that in PF. After propensity score matching analysis, similar primary treatment efficacy (indicated by MEPS> 90) in 2 groups and more primary adverse events (indicated by metalwork removal) were perceived in TBW than that in PF. Logistic regression analysis revealed that fracture type was an independent factor that affected the efficacy of a treatment (regression coefficient = − 1.24 < 0, P = 0.03), indicating that fracture severity was inversely proportional to the efficacy of a treatment for olecranon fracture. Furthermore, logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the treatment method was an independent factor that affected metalwork removal of olecranon fracture (regression coefficient 2.38 > 0, OR = 10.77, P < 0.01), indicating that the risk of metalwork removal in the TBW Group was 10.77 times that in the PF Group.ConclusionWhen initially discussing the surgical approach with patients, physicians should fully weigh the possibility that TBW may lead to a second surgery due to the higher risk of internal fixation removal and that TBW won’t yield better functional outcomes than PF .

Treatment of Distal End Clavicle Fractures: Suture Fixation Versus Tension Band Wiring

Background: There are several methods like Kirschner wire, suture fixation, different plaque and etc. for surgical treatment of Neer’s type-II fractures of distal end of clavicle. Objectives: Due to lack of gold standard in treatment of fractures of distal end of clavicle, this study was conducted to compare therapeutic outcomes of tension band wire (TBW) and suture fixation (SF) in treatment of this type of fractures. Methods: This retrospective cross sectional-analytic study was performed on patient with confirmed unilateral unstable Neer’s type-II fracture of distal end of clavicle. Based on surgeon preferred protocol for fixation of fractures, for patients from 21 September 2010 to 20 March 2013 pin and wire were used (TBW group) and patients from 21 March 2013 to 23 September 2015, were enrolled as SF group. Demographic information were recorded separately for both groups. All patients were evaluated and scored based on constant score, VAS, symptomatic hardware, loss of reduction in 3 and 6 months and final visit after surgery. Results: Among 85 patients, 41 and 44 patients were allocated in TBW and SF groups respectively. Mean of follow-up time was 36.7 months. Our findings showed that both groups in three follow-up periods were similar with regard to shoulder function based on constant score, VAS score, loss of reduction, and nonunion. But SF group had lesser symptomatic hardware rather than TBW group (P=0.001). Conclusion: Although the results of pain intensity and function were similar in two groups, existence of symptomatic hardware and need of hardware removal in TBW method are weak points which should be considered.

Comparative study of tension band wiring and malleolar screw fixation for the treatment of medial malleolus fracture

Background: Malleolar fractures are the most common type of ankle fractures. These intra-articula fractures need to be managed properly as they have high chance of non-union and are usually treated operatively. Open reduction and internal fixation with malleolar screw or tension band wiring (TBW) are mostly used treatment modalities for medial malleolus fracture. The objective of this study was to compare the functional and radiological outcome of patient who underwent TBW or malleolar screw fixation. Methods: It was a prospective comparative study conducted in 40 patients at Gandaki Medical College over the period of 24 months. Patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in in the study. 20 patients were randomly selected in either group of malleolar screw and TBW which were followed for six months postoperatively. Functional outcome was measured using Olerud and Molander scoring system. Radiological outcome, adverse radiological outcome, range of motion and complications were studied and compared. Results: The mean age of TBW group was 41.3± 14.76 while in malleolar screw group it was 39.65±15.34. Male to female ratio in TBW group and malleolar screw group was 0.82 and 0.66 respectively which is not statistically significant. Mode of injury, fracture type pre and postoperative hospital stay and duration of surgery were statistically similar in both the groups. Most common mode of injury was RTA (50%) and twisting of ankle (35%). Higher rate of smoking was seen in malleolar screw group(40%) than in TBW group(20%) while alcohol consumption was seen in 40% TBW patients and 15% malleolar screw patients. Average duration of bony union was significantly higher in TBW group (8.32±1.61 weeks) compared to malleolar screw fixation group (10.69±3.35weeks) (P=0.008), however there is no significant difference in term of functional outcome score, radiological outcome and complication rate. Conclusions: There is no significant difference in term of functional outcome and complication rate between TBW or malleolar screw fixation for medial malleolar fracture however, patients treated with TBW fixation tend to show earlier radiological union.

Comparison between headless compression screws and tension band wires for the fixation of medial malleolar fractures: a prospective randomized trial.

To date, there has been no prospective randomized trial supporting the rationale of the use of headless compression screw (HCS) compared to conventional fixation methods for medial malleolar fractures. This study aimed to prospectively compare the outcomes of the HCS and tension band wire (TBW) for the fixation of medial malleolar fractures. Sixty patients were randomized to receive either an HCS or a TBW for the fixation of a medial malleolar fracture. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Olerud-Molander ankle score (OMAS), EuroQoL five-dimensional instrument (EQ-5D) score, visual analog scale (VAS) score, patient satisfaction with implant-related symptoms, operative time, and incision length. Radiographic outcomes were assessed using the presence of nonunion, delayed union, and articular incongruity. Clinical and radiographic assessments were performed at 2 and 6weeks and 3, 6, and 12months postoperatively. The OMAS, EQ-5D score, VAS score, and operative time did not differ between the HCS and TBW groups; however, the HCS group had greater satisfaction with implant-related symptoms and smaller incision than the TBW group. There was no difference in the presence of nonunion, delayed union, and articular incongruity. HCS fixation for medial malleolar fractures is not inferior to TBW fixation, while reducing implant-related symptoms. These findings suggest that HCS is a viable alternative for the fixation of medial malleolar fractures.

Fracture of the inferior pole of the patella: tension band wiring versus transosseous reattachment

BackgroundThe optimal surgical technique for the fixation of inferior pole patellar fracture remains controversial. The aims of this study were (1) to compare clinical and radiological outcomes following fixation of inferior pole patellar fracture by using tension band wire (TBW) and transosseous reattachment (TOR) without excision of the bony fragment and (2) to determine the risk factors for postoperative radiological loss of reduction.MethodsFor this retrospective cohort study, consecutive patients with inferior pole patellar fracture between January 2010 and December 2017 were recruited. The patients were grouped according to their fixation method (TBW or TOR), and demographic data, clinical outcomes, and postoperative Insall–Salvati (IS) ratio were analyzed. Then, the patients were grouped according to radiological loss of reduction, the possible risk factors for loss of reduction were identified, and odds ratios were calculated.ResultThis study included 55 patients with inferior pole patellar fracture; 30 patients were treated using TBW and 25 were treated using TOR. Clinical failure occurred in two patients in the TBW group (7%) and three in the TOR group (12%). The rate of radiological loss of reduction was significant higher in the TOR group, whereas removal of implants was significantly more common in the TBW group. Patella baja was noted immediately after surgery in the TOR group, but the IS ratios of the two groups were similar after 3 months. Fracture displacement of more than 30 mm was the only independent risk factor for postoperative radiological loss of reduction.ConclusionFor treating inferior pole patellar fracture, both TWB and TOR were effective and had a low clinical failure rate. In 60% of patients undergoing TBW fixation, however, additional surgery was required to remove the implants. Patella baja occurred immediately following TOR, but the patellar height was similar to that in the TBW group after 3 months. Surgeons should be aware of the high risk of postoperative radiological loss of reduction, especially when the fracture displacement is more than 30 mm.

Predicting secondary surgery after operative fixation of olecranon fractures: a model using data from 800 patients.

BackgroundHigh rates of secondary surgery after fixation of olecranon fractures have been reported. Identification of risk factors can aid surgeons to reduce complications leading to additional surgical procedures.MethodsOlecranon fractures treated at seven hospitals from 2007 to 2017 were identified, and the radiographs were classified. Isolated, displaced olecranon fractures treated operatively with tension band wiring (TBW) or precontoured plate fixation (PF) were reviewed. Adjusted risk factors for secondary surgery were analyzed, and a multivariable predictive model for secondary surgery was built.ResultsAfter the initial review of 1259 olecranon fractures, 800 isolated, displaced olecranon fractures met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The distribution of two-part and multifragmented fractures was equal. TBW was used in 636 patients and PF in 164 patients. Multifragmentation was a significant variable influencing preference for PF. Secondary surgery was performed in 41% patients and symptomatic hardware removal was the most frequent primary indication. In both the TBW and PF group, the rates of major complications leading to secondary surgery were 13% (P = .96). The adjusted risk of secondary surgery was lower with increasing age (odds ratio by 10 years increments, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.68-0.80, P < .01). Compared with PF, TBW with transcortical K-wires (odds ratio, 2.06; 95% confidence interval, 1.36-3.14; P < .01) and TBW with intramedullary K-wires (odds ratio, 4.32; 95% confidence interval, 2.16-8.86, P < .01) had significantly higher adjusted risk of secondary surgery.ConclusionSurgeons preferred to use PF in younger patients and multifragmented fractures. Patients should be counseled that secondary surgery is common after surgical fixation of olecranon fractures. Symptomatic hardware removal was the most frequently reported reason for secondary surgery and more frequent after TBW. When using TBW, intramedullary K-wire positioning should be avoided. The rate of major complications leading to secondary surgery was similar in the TBW and PF groups. Overall, the risk of subsequent secondary surgery was higher in younger patients and patients treated with TBW.

Biomechanical comparison of bioresorbable F‑u‑HA/PLLA screw and tension band wire fixation in medial malleolar fractures

The authors have recently reported that forged composites of raw particulate unsintered hydroxyapatite/poly‑L‑lactide (F‑u‑HA/PLLA) screws are useful for the treatment of medial malleolar fracture. However, the biomechanical properties of these screws have not yet been fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to compare the biomechanical properties of F‑u‑HA/PLLA screws with those of tension band wiring (TBW) using medial malleolar fracture models obliquely oriented at 45˚ angles in synthetic tibial bones. Fractures were fixed using two 4.5‑mm‑diameter partial thread F‑u‑HA/PLLA screws, two 4.5‑mm‑diameter full thread F‑u‑HA/PLLA screws, or TBW. The fracture models were tested parallel to the distal joint surface and parallel to the fracture line. The compression load at 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mm of fracture displacement was assessed. The compression load parallel to the distal joint surface at 3, 4 and 5 mm of fracture displacement was significantly higher in the partial thread screw group than in the TBW group (P&lt;0.01). Additionally, the compression load parallel to the distal joint surface at 4 and 5 mm was significantly higher in the full thread screw group than in the TBW group (P&lt;0.001). However, the TBW group exhibited a higher compression load at 1 mm compared to the full thread group (P&lt;0.05). As regards the compression load parallel to the fracture line, the compression load at 3, 4 and 5 mm of fracture displacement was markedly higher in the partial thread screw group than in the TBW group (P&lt;0.01); likewise, the compression load at 4 and 5 mm of displacement was significantly higher in the full thread screw group than in the TBW group (P&lt;0.001). On the whole, these results strongly suggest that F‑u‑HA/PLLA screw fixation, particularly partial thread screw fixation, has good biomechanical strength and provides adequate stability for the treatment of medial malleolar fractures.

Operative treatment of acute acromioclavicular joint dislocations graded Rockwood III-V: a retrospective and comparative study between three different surgical techniques.

Background:the optimal treatment of acute type III-V acromioclavicular (A-C) Rockwood dislocations is still a matter of discussion in orthopaedic surgery.Aim of the work:retrospective and comparative evaluation of the clinical and radiographic results of three different surgical techniques for stabilization of A-C joint using tension band wiring, hook plate and TightRope.Methods:a consecutive series of patients, treated from January 2014 and November 2019, were divided into three groups according to the surgical method used. They were clinically and radiographically assessed and the results were compared with those present in the literature.Results:66 patients, with a mean age of 44.7 years, were enrolled with a mean follow-up of 37.7 months (range 6-58 months). All patients, regardless of the group, had satisfactory outcome. According to the DASH score, statistically significant difference favours the TightRope Group (TRG) fixation (p<0.005). The TRG showed the highest mean Constant score (96,1); there are no significative differences between the clinical scores of Hook Plate Group (HPG) and Tension Band Wiring Group (TBWG). However, these two methods showed numerous complications, especially metal-work mobilization and stiffness respectively.Conclusions:good results can be overall achieved with primary fixation by the three different surgical methods under investigation. The TightRope system exhibited some advantages such as higher clinical scores, early recovery of range of movements, longitudinal surgical incision with non-keloid scar, no need for a second surgery and lower rate of complications.

Comparison of Functional and Radiological Outcomes of Olecranon Fractures Treated with Tension Band Wiring with Kirschner Wires to Transcortical Screw Fixation-A Randomised Controlled Study.

AimTo compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of fixation of olecranon fractures by a transcortical screw with conventional tension band wiring (TBW) using a Kirschner wire (K-wire).Materials and methodsThis is a non-blinded randomised controlled trial comprising two groups (n = 30 each) with Mayo type A olecranon fractures fixed with either TBW or transcortical cancellous screws (CCS). Outcomes included the Mayo elbow performance index (MEPI), time to union, range of motion (ROM), and rates of complication among these two groups.ResultsMost of the patients showed excellent scoring as per MEPI in both the groups at 6 weeks (90% in TBW group and 76.7% in CCS group) and were not significant (p = 0.719). Signs of the radiological union were noted in 80% of the cases at 6 weeks and complete at 6 months. Hardware-related complications (8.3% symptomatic hardware and 6.7% implant back-out), infection, and mean ROM were similar between the two groups (elbow flexion was 142.33 ± 24.67° in TBW group and 143.1 ± 10.19° in transcortical screw group, p = 0.246) at the end of the study.ConclusionThere were no statistically significant differences in the clinical–radiological outcomes and complications fixing the non-comminuted olecranon fractures with either transcortical screw or TBW.Clinical significanceTranscortical screw fixation is an acceptable alternative to TBW for non-comminuted olecranon fractures in terms of union and functional outcome.How to cite this articleSinha S, Maharjan R, Khanal GP, et al. Comparison of Functional and Radiological Outcomes of Olecranon Fractures Treated with Tension Band Wiring with Kirschner Wires to Transcortical Screw Fixation—A Randomised Controlled Study. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2020;15(3):131–137.