Cerclage Wire Research Articles

ANTERIOR VARIABLE-ANGLE LOCKED PLATING VERSUS TENSION BAND WIRING OF SIMPLE AND COMPLEX PATELLA FRACTURES: A BIOMECHANICAL STUDY

Treatment of simple and complex patella fractures represents a challenging clinical problem. Controversy exists regarding the most appropriate fixation method. Tension band wiring, aiming to convert the pulling forces on the anterior aspect of the patella into compression forces across the fracture site, is the standard of care, however, it is associated with high complication rates. Recently, anterior variable-angle locking plates have been developed for treatment of simple and comminuted patella fractures. The aim of this study was to investigate the biomechanical performance of the novel anterior variable-angle locking plates versus tension band wiring used for fixation of simple and complex patella fractures.Sixteen pairs of human cadaveric knees were used to simulate either two-part transverse simple AO/OTA 34-C1 or five-part complex AO/OTA 34-C3 patella fractures by means of osteotomies, with each fracture model created in eight pairs. The complex fracture pattern was characterized with a medial and a lateral proximal fragment, together with an inferomedial, an inferolateral and an inferior fragment mimicking comminution around the distal patellar pole. The specimens with simple fractures were pairwise assigned for fixation with either tension band wiring through two parallel cannulated screws, or an anterior variable-angle locking core plate. The knees with complex fractures were pairwise treated with either tension band wiring through two parallel cannulated screws plus circumferential cerclage wiring, or an anterior variable-angle locking three-hole plate. Each specimen was tested over 5000 cycles by pulling on the quadriceps tendon, simulating active knee extension and passive knee flexion within the range from 90° flexion to full knee extension. Interfragmentary movements were captured by motion tracking.For both fracture types, the articular displacements, measured between the proximal and distal fragments at the central aspect of the patella between 1000 and 5000 cycles, together with the relative rotations of these fragments around the mediolateral axis were all significantly smaller following the anterior variable-angle locked plating compared with the tension band wiring, p < 0.01From a biomechanical perspective, anterior locked plating of both simple and complex patella fractures provides superior construct stability versus tension band wiring.

A Double Cerclage and Tension band Wiring Technique Fixation for Comminuted Patellar Fractures

Background: When the patella is fractured it should be repaired and patellectomy should be avoided as much as possible even in comminuted fractures. In comminuted patellar fractures, a combination of cerclage wiring and tension band fixation is confirmed to provide good mechanical stability. The objective of the present work was to find out the effectiveness of comminuted patellar fracture fixation with combined cerclage and tension band wiring technique. Method and patient: Forty- six patients underwent surgical stabilization for comminuted patellar fracture between year 1996 to 2016. All fractures were classified as 34-C3 according to the Orthopedic Trauma Association Classification. All the patients were underwent open reduction- internal fixation with combined Cerclage and tension band wiring technique. Result: Fracture healing was occurred within an average of 3- 5 months, while in bilateral cases it was 4 - 8 months. Full range of knee movements was seen in 42 (91.3 %) cases and knee flexion more than 120º was seen in 4 (8.7 %) cases. Quadriceps power was normal in 44 (95.6 %) cases, but 2 cases had quadriceps power of grade-IV. No extensor lag and no quadriceps atrophy were seen in any cases. Forty four (95.6 %) patients could squat fully and two (4.3 %) patients could squat up to half of the normal level. All patients were able to climb up and down stairs without any problem. Most patients have no subjective complaints like pain, difficulty in walking, difficulty in squatting and climbing. The clinical results after operation were evaluated by the clinical grading scales of Böstman including range of movement, pain, work, atrophy, assistance in walking, effusion, giving way, and stair-climbing during follow-up. There were no significant complications, such as infection, knee stiffness, and non-union or implant failure in any of the cases. The average follow-up period was 8 months (Ranged 6 – 18 months). Conclusions: This study had concluded that combined Cerclage and tension band wiring technique was a successful surgical treatment for comminuted fractures of the Patella.

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).

A prospective randomized controlled study to assess the effectiveness of super FIXSORB WAVE® for sternal stabilization after sternotomy.

We developed a new sternal fixation device, Super FIXSORB WAVE®, a corrugated plate made of u-HA/PLLA, to improve sternal stability after sternotomy. This present study aimed to evaluate the new device clinically. This prospective, single-blinded, multicenter trial randomized 69 patients to either wire cerclage only (group C, n = 30) or wire cerclage plus Super FIXSORB WAVE® (group W, n = 39). The primary endpoint was a degree of sternal displacement at six months. Displacement of the sternal halves in the anteroposterior and lateral directions was measured using computed tomography horizontal section images at the third costal and fourth intercostal levels. The secondary endpoints were sternal pain and quality-of-life over 6 months. Group W showed significantly reduced sternal anteroposterior displacement at both the third costal (0 [0-1.9] mm vs. 1.1 [0-2.1] mm; P = 0.014) and fourth intercostal (0 [0-1.0] mm) vs. 1.0 [0-1.8] mm; P = 0.015) levels than group C. In group W, lateral displacement was suppressed without a significant increase from 2weeks to 6months, while it increased in group C. There was no significant difference in postoperative sternal pain and quality-of-life between the two groups. No adverse events, such as infection, inflammation, or foreign body reaction, were observed with this device. Using Super FIXSORB WAVE®, sternal displacement was significantly suppressed in both the anteroposterior and lateral directions. The use of this device results in safe and easy sternal reinforcement without any adverse events, and sternal healing can be accelerated. This study was registered in the Japan Registry of Clinical Trials (February 21, 2019; jRCTs032180146).

A modified separate vertical fixation by wires and titanium cables for comminuted inferior patella fracture: A technique note and finite element analysis

PurposeComminuted inferior patellar pole fractures are challenging injuries and require adequate treatment due to the extension mechanism of the knee. MethodsA modified separate vertical fixation by wires and Titanium cables was established according to a finite element biomechanical study. Between September 2018 and May 2021, 18 patients with inferior pole fractures of the patella were retrospectively enrolled in this study. ResultsThe results of the finite element analysis showed the concentration of stress in the intermediate vertical wire and the cerclage wire. As a partial replacement for steel wires, Titanium cables provide less concentration of stress on the vertical wire (489.4 MPa vs 441.2 Mpa) and less cutting force on the bone (75.87 Mpa vs 53.27), which reduces the possibility of internal fixation failure and improves the stability of internal fixation. In the clinic study, No patients experienced non-union of the fracture, loss of fracture repositioning, malunion of wounds, or wire breakage. At the last follow-up, the average range of motion was 134.7°±11.2°, and the Lysholm Score was 90.7 ± 3.9. ConclusionsThe separate vertical fixation by wires and titanium cables is an effective fixation method for treating displaced, comminuted inferior pole fractures, which attributes to early exercise and better function.

Outcomes of Total Hip Replacement for Failed Hemiarthroplasty.

Our study aims to analyze the outcomes of conversion total hip replacement (THR) done for failed hemiarthroplasty. We retrospectively analyzed 104 consecutive patients who underwent conversion THR for failed hemiarthroplasty between January 2012 and December 2018. The patient's records were analyzed for demographic information, index surgery details, preoperative functional status, and perioperative complications. Patients were analyzed according to the various modes of failure of hemiarthroplasty. The radiographs were analyzed for any progressive osteolysis, cup migration and stem subsidence. All the patients were evaluated using the modified Harris hip score (HHS) for clinical outcome. Complications, revision or reoperation in the follow-up period was recorded. A total of 73 patients were included in the study for final analysis after exclusion criteria. The average follow-up was 48.2 ± 29.6months. There was a significant improvement in mean HHS from 38.5 ± 9.1 preoperatively to 80.9 ± 4.3 at the last follow-up (p < 0.05). The different modes of failure had no statistically significantdifference in the postoperative Harriship score (p = 0.393). None of the patients had progressive radiolucent lines more than 2mm or significant subsidence in the final follow-up compared to the initial postoperative radiograph. There was one deep infection, one patient had grade 2 heterotopic ossification, intraoperative calcar fracture was fixed with cerclage wiring in 11 patients, and postoperative periprosthetic fracture in two patients was treated with plate osteosynthesis. There were no neurovascular complications or dislocation during the follow-up. Conversion THR for failed hemiarthroplasty is a challenging procedure and results in good functional outcome and provides reliable pain relief. Conversion THA for septic loosening by two stage revision have comparable postoperative outcomes like THA for aseptic loosening. Caution is required owing to high incidence of peri-prosthetic fracture during conversion THA. Dislocation rate is negligible even with smaller head provided the prosthesis is implanted in the proper orientation and adequate soft tissue balancing is achieved.

Cerclage Wiring Improves Biomechanical Stability in Distal Tibia Spiral Fractures Treated by Intramedullary Nailing

Partial weight-bearing after operatively treated fractures has been the standard of care over the past decades. Recent studies report on better rehabilitation and faster return to daily life in case of immediate weight-bearing as tolerated. To allow early weight-bearing, osteosynthesis needs to provide sufficient mechanical stability. The purpose of this study was to investigate the stabilizing benefits of additive cerclage wiring in combination with intramedullary nailing of distal tibia fractures. In 14 synthetic tibiae, a reproducible distal spiral fracture was treated by intramedullary nailing. In half of the samples, the fracture was further stabilized by additional cerclage wiring. Under clinically relevant partial and full weight-bearing loads the samples were biomechanically tested and axial construct stiffness as well as interfragmentary movements were assessed. Subsequently, a 5 mm fracture gap was created to simulate insufficient reduction, and tests were repeated. Intramedullary nails offer already high axial stability. Thus, axial construct stiffness cannot be significantly enhanced by an additive cerclage (2858 ± 958 N/mm NailOnly vs. 3727 ± 793 N/mm Nail + Cable; p = 0.089). Under full weight-bearing loads, additive cerclage wiring in well-reduced fractures significantly reduced shear (p = 0.002) and torsional movements (p = 0.013) and showed similar low movements as under partial weight-bearing (shear 0.3 mm, p = 0.073; torsion 1.1°, p = 0.085). In contrast, additional cerclage had no stabilizing effect in large fracture gaps. In well-reduced spiral fractures of the distal tibia, the construct stability of intramedullary nailing can be further increased by additional cerclage wiring. From a biomechanical point of view, augmentation of the primary implant reduced shear movement sufficiently to allow immediate weight-bearing as tolerated. Especially, elderly patients would benefit from early post-operative mobilization, which allows for accelerated rehabilitation and a faster return to daily activities.

Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty with a Cementless and Metaphyseal Stem Fixation Is a Viable Option for the Treatment of Proximal Humeral Fractures with Calcar Involvement.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the suitability of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) with a cementless and metaphyseal stem fixation as a treatment for complex proximal humeral fractures (PHFs) with a calcar fragment when this may be fixed with a steel wire cerclage. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were compared with the same RTSA for PHFs without a calcar fragment at a minimum of five-year follow-up. A retrospective analysis was performed on acute PHFs "with a medial calcar fragment" (group A) and "without a calcar fragment" (group B) treated with a RTSA and cementless metaphyseal stem fixation. At an average follow-up of 6.7 years (5-7.8 years), no statistical difference was observed comparing group A (18 patients) to group B (50 patients) for active anterior elevation (141 ± 15° vs. 145 ± 10°, p = 0.67), active external rotation ER1 (49 ± 15° vs. 53 ± 13°, p = 0.55), and active internal rotation (5 ± 2 vs. 6 ± 2, p = 0.97). Similarly, a comparison of ASES score (89.2 ± 10 vs. 91.6 ± 9, p = 0.23) and Simple Shoulder Test score (91.1 ± 11 vs. 90.4 ± 10, p = 0.49) revealed no significant difference. RTSA with a cementless and metaphyseal stem fixation represents a safe and feasible treatment for complex PHFs with a medial calcar fragment when this may be fixed with a steel wire cerclage.

Undetected Intraoperative Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures in Patients Undergoing Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Case Series and Literature Review.

Periprosthetic fracture in total hip arthroplasty (THA) can be catastrophic, and early detection and appropriate management are vital to the overall prognosis. This study aimed to describe and summarize the features of undetected intraoperative periprosthetic femoral fractures (IPFFs) in primary THA patients and treatment measures and to review the relevant literature. We reviewed a total of 6350 primary THAs performed at our institution between January 2013 and December 2020 and screened all IPFFs. Of 138 IPFFs, 24 were undetected and met the inclusion criteria. We recorded and compared basic patient and operative information and measured some parameters to evaluate canal morphologies based on preoperative radiographs. We also compared fracture line characteristics using postoperative radiographs to summarize the features of intraoperative fractures and propose treatment strategies. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to test the normality of the variable distributions. Measured parameters in all groups were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance and compared using Dunnett's test. The χ2 and Fisher exact tests were used to compare reoperation rates across the groups. Interrater and intrarater reliability were evaluated by intraclass correlation coefficients. Among the 24 hips, there was no significant difference in patient demographics, basic operative information or morphology. The incidence of IPFFs in primary THA patients was 2.17%, and up to 17.4% of IPFFs were undetected until postoperative fluoroscopy. The incidence of undetected IPFFs among all primary THA patients was 0.38% and varied by stem type, with the highest incidence in femurs with either anatomical (1.04%, 4/385) or modular stems (0.90%, 9/1003). Femurs with anatomical stems had a higher reoperation rate. The distal periprosthetic (Gruen zone 4) fracture line of femurs with tapered stems was more prone to involve the medial or lateral bone cortex, which could cause instability. An undetected IPFF is most likely in femurs fitted with a prosthesis of an inappropriate size or type. Anatomical stems will most likely cause unstable fractures; thus, it is recommended to use them with caution and note the possibility of medial distal femoral fracture. Improper modular stem type or size selection results in longitudinal fractures of the distal femur, and prophylactic cerclage wire binding is recommended in dysplastic hips. Incorrect use of tapered stems in well-ossified femurs may cause distal femoral fractures involving the medial or lateral bone cortex. Intraoperative fluoroscopy after implantation may help detect hidden fractures.

Delayed Onset Iatrogenic Femur fracture in a Child Primarily treated with Cerclage Wires: Unrecorded Complications of an Unconventional Treatment Method

Paediatric femur shaft fractures are common bony injuries in children. Although there are set protocol for these fractures, sometimes a deviation from standard methods may lead to unpredicted consequences. We report a case of femoral shaft fracture in a 8 years old boy which was primarily treated with 3 cerclage wires. The fracture healed over next few months but the child presented with refracture at the same site 11 months post first surgery. There was vascular compromise at the cerclage site which caused the fracture. This was treated with plate fixation and fracture finally healed. In this case report we highlight how not following the basic principles of treatment and management can lead to further complications. We also bring to light a previously unreported complication of one such unfavoured and rather unconventional method of fixation. Keywords: Pediatric Femur Fracture, Cerclage, Nonunion, iatrogenic

Neglected Patellar Fracture Treated Using Ipsilateral Hamstring Autograft Augmentation: A Case Report

Introduction: Inferior pole patellar fractures occur in relatively young patients after eccentric contraction of the quadriceps or direct trauma. Early diagnosis and adequate treatment lead to excellent outcomes and prevent tendon retraction and scarring. The aim of surgical treatment is to restore of extensor mechanism rather than anatomical articular reduction. We propose a cerclage wire technique using ipsilateral hamstring augmentation for the patellar tracking restoration. Case Description: A forty nine-year-old female, presented to our sport clinic with chief complaint of pain in the left knee and difficulty in walking and standing in long period of time following a direct trauma falling from the stairs to the knee one year back. Clinical examination revealed gap in the left knee cap and the patient could not able to straighten the knee actively. Plain radiographs of knee were taken in anteroposterior and lateral views show fracture of the inferior pole of the left patella. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the knee confirmed inferior pole patellar fracture with the proximal migration of patella with no other intraarticular injuries with partial tear of left patellar tendon. Patellar tendon reconstruction was planned using ipsilateral semitendinosus (ST) and Gracillis (G) autograft and ORIF cerclage wire augmentation. Follow-up was performed after one month post-operation. Patient was able to straighten the left knee and fully weight bearing mobilized without any pain. Range of motion was 0/100 compared to the contralateral knee. Muscle atrophy was not found. Xray was performed and shows callus formation with stable fixation. Conclusion: Neglected patellar fracture is a rare occurrence, the treatment of which is a difficult challenge for orthopaedic surgeons. Therefore, the goal of surgical treatment of inferior pole fractures is restoration of extensor mechanism rather than anatomical articular reduction. In inferior pole fracture of the patella, comminution in fractured distal fragment is common and secure fixation to allow early motion is difficult to achieve. The advantage of the described technique is the possibility of immediate weightbearing and early mobilization. A parallel could be drawn with the biological augment for patellar tendon repair, in which semitendinosus augmentation allows immediate postoperative mobilization with excellent functional results. This allows patients with early functional exercise and has a positive significance for the smooth recovery of the articular surface of the patella and recovery of knee extensor device function. Functional impairment of the extensor mechanism and postoperative complications triggers the quest for finding the ideal technique.

Outcomes of Humeral Allograft-Prosthetic Composites with Plate Fixation in Revision Total Elbow Arthroplasty.

Traditionally, the reconstruction of severe distal humeral bone loss at the time of revision total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) has used allograft-prosthetic composites (APCs) stabilized with cerclage wires or cables. We have migrated to plate fixation when revision TEA using a humeral APC is performed. This study shows the outcomes of patients treated with a humeral APC with plate fixation during revision TEA. Between 2009 and 2019, 41 humeral APCs with plate fixation of distal humeral allograft to the native humerus were performed in the setting of revision TEA. There were 12 male patients (29%) and 29 female patients (71%), with a mean age of 63 years (range, 41 to 87 years). The mean allograft length was 12 cm. All elbows had a minimum follow-up of 2 years (mean follow-up, 3.3 years). Patients were evaluated for visual analog scale pain scores, range of motion, the ability to perform select activities of daily living, and the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). Outcomes including reoperations, complications, and revisions were noted. The most recent radiographs were evaluated for union at the allograft-host interface, failure of the plate-and-screw construct, or component loosening. The mean postoperative flexion was 124° (range, 60° to 150°) and the mean postoperative extension was 26° (range, 0° to 90°); the mean arc of motion was 99° (range, 30° to 150°). The mean MEPS was 58 points (range, 10 to 100 points). Two surgical procedures were complicated by neurologic deficits. The overall reoperation rate was 14 (34%) of 41. Of the 33 patients with complete radiographic follow-up, 12 (36%) had evidence of nonunion at the allograft-host interface with humeral component loosening, 1 (3%) had evidence of partial union, and 1 (3%) had ulnar stem loosening. Revision TEA with a humeral APC using compression plating was successful in approximately two-thirds of the elbows. Further refinement of surgical techniques is needed to improve union rates in these complex cases. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Early revision of primary total hip replacements in Yaounde: incidence, indications, surgical techniques and results

Introduction: Total hip replacements are becoming more common in our environment due to an aging population and an overall improvement in the provision of healthcare. They remain costly and at the expense of the patient, making any failure of the intervention dramatic. Early revision surgery is a devastating complication, exacerbating morbidity, mortality and cost. The aim of this study was to determine the rate of early revision of total hip replacements (THRs) in Yaounde and to describe their etiologies, indications and short-term results. Patients and Methods: All records of patients operated for a primary THR in hospitals in Yaounde during the period from January 2015 to December 2021 were collected, and retrospectively analyzed to recruit those who had been reoperated on the same hip in the year after the first THR surgery. Data on the etiology of the revision surgeries, therapeutic indications, and results at one year of follow up were collected. Results: Out of a total of 117 primary THRs performed during this period, 10 cases of early revision surgeries were performed, representing an early revision rate of 8.5%. The initial indications for primary THR were coxarthrosis (5 cases), osteonecrosis (3 cases) and complex hip fractures (2 cases). The etiologies of early revisions were infection in 6 (60%) cases, irreducible or uncontrollable dislocations in 3 (30%) cases, and periprosthetic fracture in 1 (10%) case. The therapeutic indications were debridement with maintenance of the implant in 2 cases, debridement with implant explantation – sterilization – then reimplantation of the same implant in 2 cases, debridement and exchange of the implant in 2 cases, open reduction with repositioning of the acetabulum in 3 cases, and osteosynthesis by cerclage wiring in 1 case. The immediate results were favorable in 3 (30%) cases, while 4 required a second revision surgery. The functional evaluation at one year follow up which was assessed using the Postel-Merle d’Aubigné (PMA) score was 11.5 [7-15]. Conclusion: The rate of early revision surgery of primary THR remains relatively high in our environment, when compared to developed countries. Infections and hip joint instabilities are the main etiologies. Their management deserves to be improved in order to optimize the results in this setting.

Stabilization of mandibular symphysis separation in an Amazonian brown brocket deer (Mazama nemorivaga)

AbstractA 2‐year‐old, 22.5 kg, entire, male Amazonian brown brocket buck (Mazama nemorivaga) was presented with difficulty in prehending food, ptyalism, inability to close the mouth and lateral deviation of the tongue. Physical examination revealed poor rostral mandibular occlusion, mobility of the left hemimandible incisors, instability and crepitus of the mandible suggestive of symphyseal separation. Radiographic examination confirmed the separation of the mandibular symphysis. Surgical repair was performed based on the technique of using two parallel 1‐mm stainless steel cerclage wires to provide stability to the mandibular symphysis. The cerclage wires were removed 8 weeks postoperatively after radiographic evaluation. After removing the wires, the symphysis was palpably stable and no dental mobility was detected. In the last evaluation 3 years after surgery, the deer had normal dental occlusion and no difficulty in prehension of food. This surgical technique proved adequate to withstand the disruptive forces applied.

Use of minimally invasive cerclage wiring for displaced major fragments of femoral shaft fractures after intramedullary nailing promotes bone union and a functional outcome

BackgroundFemoral shaft fractures caused by high energy trauma can be very challenging due to the large variability in fracture morphology and poor functional outcomes. Displaced major fragments of femoral shaft fractures are difficult to manage after closed reduction and intramedullary nailing (IMN). The minimally invasive cerclage wiring (CW) procedure has become an optimal tool for major fragment resetting and stabilization after IMN. However, arguments continue for the potential risk of arterial injury, blood supply disruption, and delayed bone union or non-union with the CW procedure. The surgical algorithm for treating femoral shaft fractures with displaced major fragments remains controversial. Thus, emphasis is placed on whether the CW procedure can promote the bone union rate and improve functional outcomes without significant complications.MethodsWe performed a retrospective study on all patients of femoral shaft fractures with displaced major fragments between June 2015 and August 2019 in our trauma centre. Eligible patients were included and stratified into the CW group and IMN group. Demographics, radiological data, callus formation, union time, and functional outcomes were critically compared between the two groups.ResultsThirty-seven patients were included in the present study according to our inclusion/exclusion criteria, of whom 16 (43.2%) were stratified into the CW group, and 21 (56.8%) into the IMN group. The modified radiographic union score for femorae (mRUSH) in the CW group and IMN group was significantly different (11.94 ± 1.29 vs. 7.95 ± 0.74, 6 months; 15.88 ± 0.50 vs. 10.33 ± 0.91, 12 months) (p < 0.0001). The mean union time was significantly different between the CW and IMN groups (7.9 ± 3.2 months vs. 20.1 ± 8.48 months) (p < 0.0001). Bone union at 12 months differed significantly between the CW and IMN groups (15 vs. 5) (p < 0.05). The Harris Hip Score in the CW group was significantly higher than that in the IMN group (88.19 ± 4.69 vs. 76.81 ± 5.26, 12 months; 93.19 ± 4.68 vs. 87.57 ± 5.38, 24 months) (p < 0.01). The Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Score was significantly different between the CW and IMN groups (78.50 ± 5.65 vs. 67.71 ± 4.65, 12 months; 89.50 ± 5.05 vs. 75.81 ± 8.90, 24 months) (p < 0.0001).ConclusionsMinimally invasive CW is an optimal supplement for IMN in the treatment of femoral shaft fractures with displaced major fragments. As illustrated, the benefits of CW potentially include promotion of the bone union rate and improvement in functional outcomes.

Para-osseous clamp assisted cerclage wiring for management of tibial fracture in a dog

Para-osseous clamp assisted cerclage wiring for management of tibial fracture in a dog

Cerclage wire or positional cortical screw for the treatment of intraoperative calcar fractures during primary total hip arthroplasty? A biomechanical study

BackgroundDuring primary total hip arthroplasty, intra-operative calcar fractures have been historically treated with cerclage wires. However, interfragmentary screw fixation technique can possibly achieve the same results with technical advantages. The aim of this biomechanical study was to assess stability of calcar fractures fixed using interfragmentary screw technique compared to a traditional cerclage system specifically in context of total hip arthroplasty. MethodsThirty-two periprosthetic fractures were reduced using either a single cerclage cable or an intracortical positional screw perpendicular to the fracture line. Axial and torsional load testing was terminated after experimental model failure. FindingsNo significant difference was obtained for all output parameters when comparing cerclage wires versus interfragmentary screw fixation respectively. Load at failure: 8043 ± 712 N vs 7425 ± 854 N (p = 0.115). Load at calcar fracture propagation: 6240 ± 2207 N versus 6220 ± 966 N (p = 0.668). Maximum stiffness before failure: 617 ± 115 N/mm vs 839 ± 175 N/mm (p = 0.100) and stiffness at calcar fracture propagation reached 771 ± 153 Nmm vs 886 ± 129 N/mm (p = 0.197). Torque to failure levels obtained were 59.4 ± 7.1 N*m vs 60.9 ± 12.0 N*m (p = 0.908). Torque to calcar fracture propagation, 51.6 ± 6.1 N*m vs 48.5 ± 9.8 N*m (p = 0.298). Torsional stiffness at failure, 0.38 ± 0.03 N*m\\deg. vs 0.43 ± 0.13 N*m\\deg. (p = 0.465). Torsional stiffness at calcar fracture propagation were 0.37 ± 0.03 N*m\\deg. vs 0.45 ± 0.17 N*m\\deg. (p = 0.462). InterpretationThe strength of fixation and stability of the implant were similar for both techniques. In the synthetic bone model tested, using an interfragmentary screw conveyed similar stability to the constructs in the management of an intra-operative medial calcar fractures. Thus, potentially giving surgeons an alternative option for intraoperative fracture fixation during primary total hip arthroplasty.

Comparison of The Two Different Patella Fracture Fixation Technique: Finite Element Analysis

Introduction: Fractures of patella account for 1% of bone fractures and this type of injuries can lead to severe knee funciton restrictions due to its role in extansor mechanism. The most common type of fracture pattern is transverse or comminute. According to the guidelines, the most often used surgical techniques are modified tension band wiring and circumferential cercle wiring. However there is no clear information about the configuration of cerclage wiring in the tension band technique. For this purpose, a transverse fracture line was created in the patella finite element model and biomechanical comparison was made in both figure of eight and zero configurations&#x0D; Material and Method: A transverse fracture line was created in patella and the k-wires were directed proximally at 90 degrees in coronal plane, perpendicular to the fracture line. A cerclage wire was wound on each finite element model in figure of zero (reference 1 model) and figure of eight (reference 2 model) configurations. These models were compared with each other in finite element model, with the knee at a 45 degree flexion angle and applying 200 Nm, 400 Nm and 800 Nm of force.&#x0D; Results: When the opening amounts of reference 1 and 2 models were evaluated under 200 Nm, 400 Nm, and 800 Nm loads, it was found that there were 14%, 8%, 13% less openings in the reference 1 model, respectively. When the amount of pressure in the fracture line was evaluated under the same loads, the average pressure was 10%, 15% and 12% higher in the reference 1 model compared to the reference 2 model, respectively.&#x0D; Conclusion: When the determined parameters were evaluated, although the amount of opening at the fracture line was better in the reference 1 model, there was no significant difference between the parameters in both models. Both fixation types allow early motion in clinical applications and help the prevention of displacement of the fracture.

Cerclage performance analysis – a biomechanical comparison of different techniques and materials

BackgroundWire cerclages play a fundamental role in fracture fixation. With an increasing variety of designs being commercially available the question arises which cerclage should be used.This study investigates the biomechanical properties of metallic and non-metallic cerclages and their different application-types. Furthermore, potential influence of muscular interposition between bone and cerclage constructs was tested.MethodsSamples of the following four different cerclage types were tested on 3D printed models of human humeri as well as on human cadaveric humeri with and without muscular interposition:Titanium Cable Cerclage (CC), Steel Wire Cerclage (SWC), Suture Tape (ST), Suture Tape Cerclage (STC) with both single- (sSTC) and double-loop application (dSTC). A preinstalled self-locking mechanism secured by the provided tensioner in the STCs being the main difference to the STs.Cyclic loading was performed to 1 kN and then linearly to a maximum load of 3 kN.Statistical analysis was performed using either one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey or Kruskal–Wallis and post-hoc Dunn test depending on normalization of data (p < 0.05).ResultsWhilst all cerclage options could withstand high loads during failure testing, only within the CC and dSTC group, all samples reached the maximal testing load of 3000 N without any failure. The SWC reached 2977.5 ± 63.6 N, the ST 1970.8 ± 145.9 N, and the sSTC 1617.0 ± 341.6 N on average.Neither muscular interposition nor bone quality showed to have a negative influence on the biomechanical properties of the cerclage constructs, presenting no significant differences.ConclusionAll tested cerclage constructs produce reliable stability but differ in their resulting compression forces, in a simplified fracture model. Therefore, non-metallic cerclage alternatives can provide similar stability with less compression and stiffness to metallic cable constructs, but they may offer several advantages and could possibly provide future benefits. Especially, by offering more elasticity without losing overall stability, may offer a biologic benefit. Installing any cerclage constructs should be performed carefully, especially if poor bone quality is present, as the tightening process leads to high forces on the construct.

Biomechanical testing of different fixation techniques for intraoperative proximal femur fractures: a technical note

ABSTRACT Intraoperative proximal femoral fractures (IPFF) represent a rare but challenging complication of total hip arthroplasties. They usually occur as a longitudinal split. This pilot trial aimed to compare the biomechanical primary stability of different fixation techniques for IPFF. Standardised longitudinal medial split fractures of the proximal femur (type II, Modified Mallory Classification) were created in artificial osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic composite femora after implantation of a cementless femoral stem. Five different fixation techniques were compared: cerclage band, cerclage wiring with one or two wires, and lag screw fixation with one or two lag screws. A quasi-static loading protocol was applied and failure loads were evaluated. The observed median failure loads were 4192N (3982N – 5189N) for one cerclage band, 4450N (3577N – 4927N) for one cerclage wire, 5016N (4175N – 5685N) for two cerclage wires, 6085N (5000N – 8907N) for one lag screw, and 4774N (4509N – 8502N) for two lag screws. Due to the wide range of failure loads within the experimental groups, there were no observable differences between the groups. All fixation techniques provided sufficient primary stability in osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic composite bones. Further cadaveric studies with larger sample sizes may be needed to confirm the results presented here.