Tension Band Wiring Research Articles

Functional and Radiological Outcomes of Miniature Plate Osteosynthesis in Metacarpal and Phalangeal Fractures of Hand: A Prospective Study.

There are several operative modes to address hand fractures to gain better anatomical and functional results including external fixator, percutaneous K-wire fixation, lag screw fixation, tension band wiring, intra-medullary nails or wires, and plate-screw fixation. We evaluated the results of plate osteosynthesis in fractures of metacarpals and phalanges in a prospective manner. A total 50 adults (19-60 years) of either sex having 58 fractures managed by miniature plate osteosynthesis and followed for a minimum six months (6-19), including metacarpal and phalangeal fractures (unstable or serial fractures), intra-articular fractures, fracture-dislocation of proximal interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal joints with joint incongruity or subluxation were enrolled while contaminated compound fractures, pathological fractures and cases of reimplantation were excluded from study. Clinical assessment was done using the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH), total active flexion (TAF), total active range of motion (TAM) score, and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (quick DASH) score while sequential radiographs were done at each follow-up. All the fractures had perfect union clinically as well as radiologically with a mean duration of six weeks while functional outcomes in reference to clinical scores were observed excellent and fair in all cases. None of the cases had any loss of reduction, loosening of the implant, or other major complications. Miniature plate fixation provides enough stability in metacarpal and phalanges fractures, thereby allowing immediate active movements, which leads to excellent functional outcomes and early return to normal activities.

Analysis of postoperative complications 5 years after osteosynthesis of patella fractures—a retrospective, multicenter cohort study

PurposeThe study aims to investigate the influence of patient- and fracture-specific factors on the occurrence of complications after osteosynthesis of patella fractures and to compare knee joint function, activity, and subjective pain levels after a regular postoperative course and after complications in the medium term.MethodsThis retrospective, multicenter cohort study examined patients who received surgery for patella fracture at level 1 trauma centers between 2013 and 2018. Patient demographics and fracture-specific variables were evaluated. Final follow-up assessments included patient-reported pain scores (NRS), subjective activity and knee function scores (Tegner Activity Scale, Lysholm score, IKDC score), complications, and revisions.ResultsA total of 243 patients with a mean follow-up of 63.4 ± 21.3 months were included. Among them, 66.9% of patients underwent tension band wiring (TBW), 19.0% received locking plate osteosynthesis (LPO), and 14.1% underwent screw osteosynthesis (SO). A total of 38 patients (15.6%) experienced complications (TBW: 16.7%; LPO: 15.2%; SO: 11.8%). Implant-related complications of atraumatic fragment dislocation and material insufficiency/dislocation, accounted for 50% of all complications, were significantly more common after TBW than LPO (p = 0.015). No patient-specific factor was identified as a general cause for increased complications. Overall, particularly following complications such as limited range of motion or traumatic refracture, functional knee scores were significantly lower and pain levels were significantly higher at the final follow-up when a complication occurred. Implant-related complications, however, achieved functional scores comparable to a regular postoperative course without complications after revision surgery.ConclusionThe present study demonstrated that implant-related complications occurred significantly more often after TBW compared to LPO. The complication rates were similar in all groups.

Lateral rim variable angle locked plating versus tension band wiring of simple and complex patella fractures: a biomechanical study.

Treatment of both simple and complex patella fractures is a challenging clinical problem. Although tension band wiring has been the standard of care, it can be associated with high complication rates. The aim of this study was to investigate the biomechanical performance of recently developed lateral rim variable angle locking plates versus tension band wiring used for fixation of simple and complex patella fractures. Sixteen pairs of human anatomical 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 by a medial and a lateral proximal fragment, together with an inferomedial, an inferolateral, and an inferior (central distal) 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 a lateral rim variable angle locking plate. The knees with complex fractures were pairwise treated with either tension band wiring through two parallel cannulated screws plus circumferential cerclage wiring or a lateral rim variable angle locking 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 of 90° flexion to full extension. Interfragmentary movements were captured via motion tracking. For both fracture types, the articular displacements measured between the proximal and distal fragments at the central patella aspect between 1000 and 5000 cycles, together with the relative rotations of these fragments around the mediolateral axis were all significantly smaller following the lateral rim variable angle locked plating compared with tension band wiring, p ≤ 0.01. From a biomechanical perspective, lateral rim variable angle locked plating of both simple and complex patella fractures provides superior construct stability versus tension band wiring under dynamic loading.

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.

COMPARATIVE STUDY OF TENSION BAND WIRING, MODIFIED TENSION BAND WIRING AND FULLY THREADED CANNULATED CANCELLOUS SCREWS FOR FIXATION OF MEDIAL MALLEOLUS FRACTURES

Objective: To compare the three most commonly used fixation techniques: “Tension band wiring, modified tension band wiring, and fully threaded cannulated cancellous screws for fixation of medial malleolus fractures.” Methods: A prospective comparative cohort study was carried out at a tertiary care hospital in rural Maharashtra. Patients were allocated into three groups, with 33 patients in each group. The internal fixation was done by tension band wiring, modified tension band wiring, or fully threaded cannulated cancellous screws, depending on the group to which a patient belonged. Patients were assessed using the Baird and Jackson scoring system at each follow-up at immediate post-operative period, at 3, 6, 12, 24 weeks, and 1 year. For statistical purposes, p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: There was no significant difference in the three groups as regards age, body mass index, and mean time from injury to management. The most common mode of injury was road traffic accidents (51.52%), followed by falls from height (27.27%) and sports-related injuries (21.21%). The mean duration of surgery was significantly longer in cases managed by tension band wiring as compared to the other two groups. Implant-related complications were significantly less in the threaded cannulated cancellous screw group as compared to the other two groups. Overall excellent to good outcomes were observed in 97% of cases of cannulated cancellous screws as well as in modified tension band wiring and 84.8% of cases of tension band wiring, respectively. Conclusion: Fully threaded cannulated cancellous screws or modified tension band wiring should be used for the management of medial malleolar fractures while considering the functional outcome and complications associated with each and patient-related factors.

Tension band high-strength suture combined with absorbable cannulated screws for treating transverse patellar fractures: finite element analysis and clinical study.

Objective: Few reports exist on the treatment of transverse patellar fractures (TPFs) using absorbable cannulated screws and high-strength sutures, and most screws and sutures lack good biomechanics and clinical trials. Therefore, this study aimed to demonstrate the biomechanical stability and clinical efficacy of tension-band high-strength sutures combined with absorbable cannulated screws (TBSAS) in treating TPFs (AO/OTA 34 C1). Methods: Finite element models of five internal fixation schemes were established: tension-band wire with K-wire (TBW), TBW with cerclage wire (TBWC), TBW with headless pressure screws (TBWHS), TBW with full-thread screws (TBWFS), and TBSAS. We comprehensively compared the biomechanical characteristics of the TBSAS treatment scheme during knee flexion and extension. Forty-one patients with TPFs in our hospital between January 2020 and August 2022 were retrospectively enrolled and divided into the TBSAS (n = 22) and TBWC (n = 19) groups. Clinical and follow-up outcomes, including operative time, visual analog scale (VAS) pain score, postoperative complications, Bostman score, and final knee range of motion, were compared between both groups. Results: Finite element analysis (FEA) showed that TBWHS and TBWFS achieved the minimum mean fracture interface relative displacement during knee flexion (45°, 0-500N bending load) and full extension (0°, 0-500N axial load). There was no significant difference between TBSAS (0.136mm) and TBWC (0.146mm) during knee flexion (500N); however, TBSAS displacement was smaller (0.075mm) during full extension (500N). Furthermore, the stress results for the internal fixation and the patella were generally lower when using TBSAS. Retrospective clinical studies showed that the TBSAS group had a shorter operative time, lower VAS pain score at 1 and 2months postoperatively, better Bostman knee function score at 3 and 9months postoperatively, and better final knee joint motion than the TBWC group (all p < 0.05). There were five cases (26.3%) of internal fixation stimulation complications in the TBWC group. Conclusion: TBSAS demonstrated excellent safety and effectiveness in treating TPFs. It is sufficient to meet the needs of TPF fixation and early functional exercise and effectively reduces metal internal fixation-induced complications and secondary surgery-induced trauma.

Sliding Osteotomy, a New Simple Technique for Olecranon Nonunion Treatment.

Nonunion is a rare complication after surgical treatment of olecranon fracture, but indeed it is a devastating one because of the high potential for elbow stiffness, pain, soft tissue and skin problems, and device complaining. To our knowledge, there is no treatment of choice for olecranon nonunion in the literature. Here we describe a unique and new technique by sliding osteotomy of the olecranon in the form of prism and refixation with tension band wiring. Then, we report the clinical results for our 2 patients operated using this technique.

Patella Fractures outcome after Tension Band Wiring; a Cross-sectional Study

Objective: The most common technique for fixing patella fractures is tension band wiring (TBW). The current study aimed to assess the functional and radiological outcomes of the patellar fractures treated by TBW. Patients and Methods: This retrospective cohort study was performed on 78 patients who underwent TBW of patellar fracture in Akhtar Orthopedic Hospital, Tehran, Iran, from September 2015 to April 2018 and had completed a two-year follow-up. A surgical intervention consisting of open reduction and internal fixation was performed on all patients using TBW. Patients were evaluated two years postoperatively by clinical examination, radiographic investigation, and three scales (Tegner activity score [TAS], Lysholm knee score [LKS], and lower extremity functional scale [LEFS]). Result: Of the 78 patients, 48 (61.5%) were male, with a mean age of 36.7 13.1 years. Postoperatively, 41 (52.6%) patients had anterior knee pain, and four (5%) patients had an infection. Knee range of motion was limited in 20 (25.6%) patients. The mean postoperative TAS, LKS, and LEFS mean scores were 4.3 1.34, 85.97 9.21, and 69.62 6.68, respectively. Age was inversely correlated with LKS and LEFS, as both scores decreased with increasing age (p 0.001, r:-0.4). Younger patients (under 30 years old) were more likely to reach their pre-injury TAS score than older patients (p 0.001). In addition, patellofemoral osteoarthritis and patella baja were significantly higher in patients with comminuted fractures than in those with simple fracture patterns (p 0.001). Conclusion: We found acceptable outcomes after fixation with TBW, especially in younger patients; LKS and LEFS scores were lower in the elderly, and younger patients were more likely to reach closer to their pre-injury TAS score. Furthermore, patellofemoral osteoarthritis and patella baja were associated with comminuted patella fractures.

Outcome of Olecranon Fracture Treated with Tension Band Wiring Versus Anatomical Locking Plate Fixation

Aim: Up to 10% of all upper limb fractures involve the olecranon, and this type of fracture is the most common osseous injury of the elbow joint. These show a bimodal distribution occurring in younger patients due to high-energy trauma and in elderly cohorts with low bone quality after low-energy falls. Objective: To compare functional outcome of tension band wiring versus anatomical locking plate fixation for reduction of olecranon fracture Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled trial study was conducted in the Department of Orthopedic, Lady Reading Hospital, Medical Teaching Institute Peshawar from December 2022 to June 2023. Non-probability consecutive sampling technique was used in this study. Sample size was calculated using WHO calculator keeping 95% confidence interval 80 % power of study, 10% absolute precision, mean Mayo elbow score was 84.0±9.3 in the TBW group and 88.3±9.1 in the locking plate fixation group (4). Expected sample size is 32 patients in each group, total 72 patients. Patients of both genders have age range from 20 to 70 year with Mayo type 2A olecranon fractures, more than 2 mm of joint displacement determined on X-ray elbow, and elbow extension loss determined on physical examination presented within 7 days of the injury were included in the study while Patients with open fracture and revision surgery were excluded from the study. Results: In this study age distribution among 72 patients was analyzed as n= 20-30 Years 17(27.4%) 31-40 Years 14(22.6%) 41-50.Years 11(17.7%) 51-70 Years 20(32.3%). Mean age was 47.1 Years with SD ± 2.87. Gender wise Distribution among 72 Patients was analyzed as Male were 31(50.0%) and female were 31(50.0%). Distribution of duration of disease among 72 patients were analysed as n= 1-2 weeks were 47(75.8%) and 3-4 weeks were 15(24.2%) Practical Implication: There are no established guidelines for the treatment of olecranon fracture in our institution. Most olecranon fractures are treated according to surgeon preferences and surgical experience of the surgeon. Previous studies showed variables results with no consensus. We will provide rationale basis for universal use of standard treatment of olecranon fracture. Conclusion: Although there were no statistically significant differences in clinical outcomes between the two groups, the ALP group had a higher proportion of any complication than the RP group. Keywords: Anatomical locking plate; complications; eyelet wire; olecranon fracture; tension band wiring.

Biomechanical Analysis of Headless Compression Screw Versus Tension Band Wiring for Proximal Interphalangeal Joint Arthrodesis

Proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint arthrodesis is a procedure employed to address arthritis, instability, and deformity. Multiple fixation methods are available to maintain stability across the arthrodesis interval, including headless compression screws (HCSs), tension band wiring (TBW), plating, and Kirschner wire constructs. The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties of the HCS and TBW techniques. Thirty-two nonthumb digits from the paired upper limbs of four fresh frozen cadavers were divided into pairs, matching contralateral digits from the same specimen. One PIP joint of each pair was fused with an antegrade 3.5 mm HCS, and the second was fused with TBW using 0.035 in. Kirschner wires with 24-gauge dental wire. Each construct was then stressed to 10 N in the radial deviation, ulnar deviation, flexion, and extension planes, and stiffness (N/mm) was calculated. The fingers were stressed to failure in extension with the ultimate load and mode of failure recorded. When stressed in extension, the HCS construct had a significantly greater mean stiffness than the TBW construct (16.4 N/mm vs 10.8 N/mm). The stiffness in all other planes of motion were similar between the two constructs. The mean ultimate load to failure in extension was 91.4 N for the HCS and 41.9 N for the TBW. The most common mode of failure was fracture of the dorsal lip of the proximal phalanx (13/16) for the HCS and bending of the K-wires (15/16) for TBW. Arthrodesis of the PIP joint using a HCS resulted in a construct that was significantly stiffer in extension with greater than double the load to failure compared to TBW. Although the stiffness required to achieve successful PIP joint arthrodesis has not been well quantified, the HCS proved to be the most favorable construct with respect to initial strength and stability.

Comparative study of locking neutralization plate construct versus tension band wiring with a cannulated screw for patella fractures: experimental and finite element analysis

Transverse patella fractures, accounting for approximately 1% of Orthopedic injuries, pose intricate challenges due to their vital role in knee mechanics. This study aimed to compare the biomechanical performance of a construct, integrating cannulated screws and an anterior locking neutralization plate, with the conventional tension band wiring technique for treating these fractures. Experimental testing and Finite Element Analysis were employed to evaluate the constructs and gain profound insights into their mechanical behavior. Sixteen cadaveric knees were prepared, and transverse patella fractures were induced at the midpoints using a saw. The plate construct and tension band wire fixation were randomly assigned to the specimens. A cyclic test evaluated the implants' durability and stability, simulating knee movement during extension and flexion. Tensile testing assessed the implants' maximum failure force after cyclic testing, while Finite Element Analysis provided detailed insights into stress distribution and deformation patterns. Statistical analysis was exclusively performed for the experimental data. Results showed the plate enhanced stability with significantly lower deformation (0.09 ± 0.12 mm) compared to wire fixation (0.77 ± 0.54 mm) after 500 cycles (p = 0.004). In tensile testing, the construct also demonstrated higher failure resistance (1359 ± 21.53 N) than wire fixation (780.1 ± 22.62N) (p = 0.007). Finite Element Analysis highlighted distinct stress patterns, validating the construct's superiority. This research presents a promising treatment approach for transverse patella fractures with potential clinical impact and future research prospects. This study presents a promising advancement in addressing the intricate challenges of transverse patella fractures, with implications for refining clinical practice. The construct's improved stability and resistance to failure offer potential benefits in postoperative management and patient outcomes.

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.

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

Treatment of both simple and complex patella fractures is a challenging clinical problem. The aim of this study was to investigate the biomechanical performance of recently developed lateral rim variable angle locking plates versus tension band wiring used for fixation of simple and complex patella fractures.Twelve pairs of human anatomical knees were used to simulate either two-part transverse simple AO/OTA 34C1 or five-part complex AO/OTA 34C3 patella fractures by means of osteotomies, with each fracture model created in six pairs. The complex fracture pattern was characterized by 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 a lateral rim variable angle locking plate. The knees with complex fractures were pairwise treated with either tension band wiring through two parallel cannulated screws plus circumferential cerclage wiring, or a lateral rim variable angle locking 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 of 90° flexion to full knee extension. Interfragmentary movements were captured via motion tracking.For both fracture types, the longitudinal and shear articular displacements measured between the proximal and distal fragments at the central patella aspect between 1000 and 5000 cycles, together with the relative rotations of these fragments around the mediolateral axis were all significantly smaller following the lateral rim variable angle locked plating compared with tension band wiring, p&lt;0.01.Lateral rim locked plating of both simple and complex patella fractures provides superior construct stability versus tension band wiring under dynamic loading.

Comparative Study of Inferior Pole of Patella Fracture Treated with Transosseous Technique using Modified Krackow's Technique Versus Traditional Anterior Tension Band Wiring.

The inferior pole of patella constitutes around 9.3-22% of all the patella fractures presenting to the hospital. The management of inferior pole fractures has been debated since a long from early day of partial or full patellectomy to the current dictum of open reduction and fixation because of the importance of extensor mechanism of the knee. There are various modalities of management of the inferior pole of patella fracture. The use of braided polyester wire has shown to have a higher load to failure and less implant fatigue, leading to the use of trams osseous repair technique with fiber wire as an alternative to tension ban wiring. Twenty patients were divided into two groups of 10 each: Group A comprised of patients operated with tension band wiring (TBW) and Group B with patient operated with transosseous repair. Both groups underwent the same physiotherapy postoperatively and the results were compared. Radiological outcomes and the WOMAC score of the patients are comparable in both groups. The return to full range of motion is also similar in both groups with similar physiotherapy given in both groups. This shows that with careful patient selection transosseous repair can be used as an alternative to TBW.

Outcome Analysis of Fixed angle Locking Plate in Comminuted Patella Fractures : A Single Centre Prospective study from South India with Early Results.

Comminuted patella fractures pose a challenge to orthopaedic surgeons , since tension band wiring and cerclage is not effective and often lead to loosening of wires, hardware problem, dislocation of fracture and failure of osteosynthesis resulting in post-traumatic osteoarthritis and knee stiffness. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical outcome in patients with AO 34C2 and 34C3 highly comminuted patella fractures treated with unidirectional fixed angle titanium patella locking plate. Twelve patients who presented with AO 34C2 and 34C3 comminuted patella fractures, aged between 18-79 years were included in the study. All fractures were reduced and fixed with unidirectional angle fixed stable titanium patella locking plate. Knee range of motion and knee outcome survey activities of daily living scale (KOS-ADL) was used to evaluate the outcome. Union of fracture was achieved in all twelve patients. Mean flexion at final follow-up was 123° (110°-130°). None of the patients had extensor lag. One patient had hardware irritation which resolved at final followup. This technique serves as an effective option in highly comminuted patella fractures by providing excellent mechanical stability resulting in anatomical reduction , excellent functional outcome , lower incidence of hardware irritation or failure of osteosynthesis.

Clinical Outcomes of Triple Tension Band Wirings in Comminuted Patellar Fracture: A Comparison with Conventional Tension Band Wiring

Clinical Outcomes of Triple Tension Band Wirings in Comminuted Patellar Fracture: A Comparison with Conventional Tension Band Wiring

Comparison of Fully Threaded Cannulated Screw, Half Threaded Cannulated Screw, and Tension-Band Wiring in the Fixation of Herscovici Type C Medial Malleolus Fractures: A Retrospective Clinical Study

Comparison of Fully Threaded Cannulated Screw, Half Threaded Cannulated Screw, and Tension-Band Wiring in the Fixation of Herscovici Type C Medial Malleolus Fractures: A Retrospective Clinical Study

Articular Fragment Detachment and Separate Fixation for the Treatment of Comminuted Patellar Fractures with Coronal Split Articular Fragments: Articular Detachment Technique.

Treatment of comminuted patellar fractures accompanied by coronal split articular and inferior pole fragments is a challenge. To treat this difficult fracture, we perform articular fragment detachment and separate fixation for coronal split articular and inferior pole fragments. We aimed to evaluate the radiological and clinical outcomes of our technique in comminuted patellar fractures at least 1 year after surgery. Between January 2019 and June 2022, 15 patients diagnosed with comminuted patellar fractures accompanied by coronal split articular and inferior pole fragments based on preoperative computed tomography underwent surgery using the articular detachment technique. The key point of this technique was anatomical reduction and subchondral fixation of the coronal split articular fragment to the superior main fragment after complete detachment of the coronal split fragment from the inferior pole. The remaining inferior pole was fixed using a separate construct. Postoperative articular gap, articular step-off, and complications, including resorption, reduction loss, and avascular necrosis of fixed articular fragments, were evaluated as radiological outcomes. Range of motion and the Lysholm scores were used to evaluate clinical outcomes. Among the 15 patients, the coronal split articular fragments were fixed using Kirschner wires in 13 patients and headless screws in 2 patients. The inferior poles were fixed using separate vertical wiring in 13 patients and tension-band wiring in 2 patients. A postoperative articular gap was noted in 7 patients, with an average articular gap of 1.0 mm (range, 0.7-1.6 mm). No articular step-off was observed. Bone union and normal range of motion were achieved in all patients. On the 1-year postoperative lateral radiograph, resorption of the articular fracture site was seen in 5 patients. There was no loss of reduction or avascular necrosis of the coronal split articular fragments. The average postoperative Lysholm score at 1 year was 89.3 ± 4.1 (range, 82-95). The technique would be a reliable and safe option for the surgical treatment of comminuted patellar fractures accompanied by coronal split articular and inferior pole fragments in terms of anatomical reduction and stable fixation of articular fragments without risk of avascular necrosis.

Precontoured anatomical plate fixation is not superior to recon plate fixation for intercondylar fracture humerus in adults

Abstract Introduction: Intercondylar fractures are intraarticular distal humerus fractures that are frequently linked to osteopenia, comminution, and displacement. Due to its intricate anatomy, fractured bone frequently consists of many fragments and has few fixing possibilities. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is the best treatment option for these fractures, most commonly either with precontoured anatomical locking plates or recon plates. This study aims to compare the functional and radiological outcomes and rate of complications in the management of intercondylar fracture of the humerus with recon plates and precontoured anatomical plates. Materials and Methods: We have prospectively evaluated the outcome of precontoured anatomical plate vs recon plate fixation in the management of adult intercondylar fracture of the humerus in 20 patients having 10 patients in each of the groups. The study was done between November 2020 and November 2022. The recon plate group was designated as group 1 and the precontoured anatomic plate group as group 2. Orthogonal plate fixation was done in both groups. Ulnar nerve transposition was not done in any case. The study included seven patients of AO13C1, eight patients of AO13C2, and five patients of AO13C3 type of intercondylar fracture of the humerus. The mean follow-up period was 8.4 months. The functional outcome was assessed by the Mayo Elbow Performance Scoring (MEPS) system and the radiological outcome was by elbow anteroposterior/lateral radiographs. The minimum follow-up duration was 6 months. Results: In both groups, the average duration of operation and hospitalization was comparable. At 3 months follow-up after surgery, the mean MEPS in the locking precontoured anatomical plate group (group 2 = 82) was significantly higher than that of the traditional recon plate (group 1 = 69.50; P = 0.026). However, the mean MEPS was comparable in both the study groups (group 1 = 81.50, group 2 = 88, P = 0.154) at 6 months after the surgery. Range of motion (ROM) was comparable for each study group after 3 months and final follow-up as well. The patients in group 2 took much less time to achieve union than the patients in group 1 (P = 0.001); however, in total 95% of the study patients achieved union. The rate of complications including wound infection, tension band wire backout, implant loosening, and joint stiffness was similar in both groups. Conclusion: Precontoured anatomical plates and recon plates did not significantly differ in the functional results of distal humeral fractures (AO type 13C), including the ROM and MEPS at a mean follow-up duration of 8.4 months; however, there was a considerable variance in the union time, in which patients operated with precontoured anatomical plates showed much less time to achieve union than the recon plates.

Navigating challenges: a case report on complications in clavicle fracture management with 'K' wire fixation

Orthopaedic metallic pins and wires are commonly used for the fixation of fractures and dislocations, with the shoulder girdle being one of the common areas for their application. Despite recent precautionary measures, complications related to migration of these devices into the pleural cavity continue to be reported. We present a case of a Kirschner wire (K-wire) migration from a left clavicle fracture to the first rib, highlighting the importance of vigilance and immediate intervention in such cases. A 35-year-old female, previously operated for a left clavicle fracture using K-wire and tension band wiring, presented with left shoulder and chest pain eight years later. Radiological investigations revealed a broken K-wire in the pleural cavity, with one portion near the acromio-clavicular region and the other at the posterior aspect of the first rib. Surgical intervention was performed, involving the removal of the K-wire from the chest cavity and clavicle, with subsequent patient recovery. The migration of orthopaedic pins and wires into the chest cavity is a rare but well-documented complication. Previous reports have demonstrated severe consequences, including cardiovascular complications and fatalities. Theories explaining wire migration include muscle action, shoulder mobility, negative intrathoracic pressure during respiration, regional bone resorption, gravitational forces, and even capillary action. To minimize such complications, subcutaneous K-wire ends should be bent, and restraining devices should be used. Close clinical and radiographic follow-up is essential until the pins and wires are removed after achieving the therapeutic goal. In case of migration, prompt removal is necessary to prevent fatal complications. This case report emphasizes the significance of vigilance and proper precautions when using orthopaedic pins and wires for shoulder girdle fractures. Timely intervention is crucial to mitigate severe complications associated with migration. Sharing experiences and lessons learned can contribute to the safer application of these fixation devices in orthopaedic practice.