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INTRODUCTION: 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. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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 1 day 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 ± 10.6 m than the TBW group (6.4 ± 7.4 m). 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.

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Olecranon fractures are common in orthopedic wards and can be traumatic or pathological in origin. There are very few cases of bilateral olecranon fractures without any associated injuries to the long bones in the literature. We present a unique case of a young 21-year-old male who has an isolated bilateral olecranon fracture following a road traffic accident. The patient had a closed fracture of the ulna on both sides without any associated injuries or neurovascular compromise. Since the patient was young and had good muscle strength preoperatively, we planned fixation of both sides. The patient underwent open reduction and internal fixation with tension band wiring on the right side, which was his dominant side. The left side was operated on by open reduction and internal fixation with an anatomical plate. The patient was started on elbow range of motion on the right side from the second postoperative day and started basic activities such as having food independently by the 10th day postoperatively. The physiotherapy was continued in a stepwise manner, and by the sixth week, the patient had a full range of motion on both sides. The patient had resumed his activities of daily living independently by the sixth week following the surgery. Such cases are rare, and a case-based management plan must be devised for each patient, considering contributing factors such as age, bone quality, osteoporosis, underlying medical comorbidities, functional demands, and muscle strength. We demonstrated a good clinical and radiological outcome by using tension band wiring on the dominant side with a stable olecranon fracture and plating done on the non-dominant side, which had an unstable displaced olecranon fracture.

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BACKGROUND: Ogden type V tibial tubercle avulsion fracture is an unusual type of physial injury. Thus, little is known about its mechanism of injury and treatment. The type of osteosynthesis is variable and depends on the experience of the surgeon. We commonly used cancellous screws fixation combined with tension band wiring for displaced fracture of the anterior tibial tuberosity. CASE PRESENTATION: The present manuscript describes a case of a Han nationality 13-year-old boy who presented with severe pain of the left knee, which began after landing following a high jump. He had no significant past medical history apart from a high body mass index of 30.3. Radiographs revealed that he had an unusual Ogden type V tibial tubercle avulsion fracture. He was treated by open reduction and combined fixation with cannulated screws and tension-band wiring. After 3 months, the fracture healed without any complications or knee symptoms with full range of motion. He underwent reoperation for symptomatic hardware, which was removed at 5 months after initial surgery, and returned to his prior level of sporting activity at 1 year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Our case suggests that excellent functional outcome could be achievable by open reduction with the combination of internal fixation and tension-band wiring for Ogden type V tibial tubercle avulsion fracture. This type of osteosynthesis could not only achieve anatomical reduction and stable fixation for such fractures, but also avoid further damage to the proximal tibial epiphysis, which prevents serious complications, such difference in leg length.

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PURPOSE: Although "tension-band wiring" is still commonly used to stabilize patellar fractures, the technique has recently been scrutinized due to biomechanical insufficiency. Consequently, the AO Foundation renamed the principle to compression cerclage wiring (CCW). Several studies propose favorable outcomes when utilizing locked plating (LP). This study aims to compare outcome of CCW and LP for complex patellar fractures. METHODS: A retrospective, single-center cohort study was performed on patients who underwent operative treatment for (AO 34 C-Type) patellar fractures between April 2013 and March 2023. Patients with a 12 month follow up were included. We grouped and compared patients based on the applied treatment strategy: group LP vs. group CCW. Primary outcome parameters included implant-related complications and revision surgeries. Secondary outcomes were length of stay, return to work and 12 months functional outcome (Lysholm score). Odd ratios for complications and revisions were calculated using the conditional Maximum Likelihood Estimate. The threshold for statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: Of 145 patients, 63 could be included (group LP: n = 23 and group CCW: n = 40). Fractures in group LP were significantly more complex in regard to AO Classification (p < 0.001), number of fragments (p < 0.001) and degree of comminution (p < 0.001), yet odds of complications were significantly lower in group LP (OR: 0.147; 95%CI: 0.015-0.742; p = 0.009). K-wire migration was the most common complication in group CCW (20%). Odds of revision surgery were significantly lower in group LP (OR: 0.000; 95%CI: 0.000-1.120; p = 0.041). The average Lysholm score at one year was favorable in both groups (89.8; SD: 11.9 in group LP and 90.6; SD: 9.3 in group CCW; n.s.). CONCLUSION: In our study cohort, LP was routinely chosen for more complex fracture morphologies; nevertheless the data implies that LP may be considered as the superior fixation technique in regard to complications and revision operations. Especially, K-wire migration occurs frequently after CCW. The one year functional outcome was comparable between the groups, with both demonstrating good results. Prospective randomized studies are indicated to validate our findings.

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PURPOSE: Ulnar styloid process (USP) fractures are present in 40-65% of all distal radius fractures (DRFs). USP base fractures can be associated with distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) instability and ulnar sided wrist pain and are treated by conservative management and surgical fixation, without consensus. This systematic review and meta-analysis compares operative to non-operative treatment of concomitant ulnar styloid base fractures in patients with distal radius fractures. METHODS: PubMed/Medline/Embase/CENTRAL databases were searched identifying RCTs and comparative observational studies. Effect estimates were extracted and pooled using random effect models to account for heterogeneity across studies. Results were presented as (standardized) mean differences (SMD or MD) or odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). RESULTS: Two RCTs (161 patients) and three observational studies (175 patients) were included. Tension band wiring was used for surgically treated USP fractures. Results were comparable across the different study designs and hence pooled across studies. Non-surgically treated patients had better wrist function at 6 months (SMD 0.57, 95%CI 0.30; 0.90, I2 = 0%). After 12 months there was no observed difference (MD 2.31, 95%CI -2.57; 7.19, I2 = 91%). Fewer patients had USP non-unions in the operative group (OR 0.08, 95%CI 0.04; 0.18, I2 = 0%). More patients suffered complications in the operative group (OR 14.3; 95%CI 1.08; 188, I2 = 89%). CONCLUSION: Routinely fixating USP base fractures as standard of care is not indicated. Surgery may be considered in selective cases (e.g. persistent DRUJ instability during ballottement test after fixation of the radius).

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BACKGROUND: Tension band wire fixation (TBW) is a well-described method for treating displaced olecranon fractures. Further surgery is often needed due to wound breakdown or prominent hardware. An all-suture technique has recently been described as an alternative to TBW but radiographic and clinical outcome are not well established. The aim of this single-center retrospective cohort study was to evaluate outcome after treatment with all-suture technique for simple displaced olecranon fractures. METHODS: A retrospective review of olecranon fractures in patients (> 18 years) treated for displaced olecranon fractures with tension band suture fixation (TBSF) between February and August 2019 was performed in our facility. Primary outcome was revision surgery, which was assessed four years after surgery. Clinical and radiographical follow-up was performed at two weeks, six weeks, three months and six months to assess union rate, fracture displacement, range of motion (ROM), Quick-DASH and Oxford Elbow Score. RESULTS: A total of 24 patients were included. Median age was 64 years [IQR:39-73], 9 patients were male and median ASA score was 2 [IQR:1-2]. 15 fractures were Mayo type 2 A and 9 type 2B with minor comminution. At four-year follow-up, three patients had died. None of the remaining 21 patients had undergone revision surgery. At six months, the median Quick-DASH and Oxford Elbow Score were 2.3 [IQR:0-4.5] and 47 [IQR:46-48], respectively. Median elbow extension and flexion deficits were 0° [IQR:0-2.25] and 0° [IQR:0-0], respectively. Radiographic union was achieved in all patients. In two cases radiographic loss of reduction and malunion was observed but both patients were asymptomatic and had no functional deficits. One patient refractured the elbow due to a second trauma and was reoperated. CONCLUSIONS: TBSF is a promising technique for Mayo type 2 A and 2B fractures with minor comminution. There were no revision surgeries within the first four years. We found good functional outcomes and a high union rate.

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INTRODUCTION: 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. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.

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Background and Objectives: Patella baja is a common complication after operative treatment for patellar fracture. This study aimed to investigate (1) the serial changes in patellar height and (2) the potential predictive factors for patellar height changes after tension band wiring (TBW) for patellar fractures. Materials and Methods: Forty-one patients who underwent TBW for patellar fracture between March 2019 and September 2022 were enrolled. To identify serial changes in patellar height, modified Blackburne-Peel index (mBPI) was assessed at just after surgery, at 3 months, at 6 months, at 1 year and at the final follow-up. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to identify factors correlated with mBPI difference between the contralateral side (considered as preoperative status) and injured side. Results: The postoperative mBPI exhibited a decline over time (mean mBPI immediately post operation/3 months/6 months/1 year/final follow-up: 0.69/0.63/0.63/0.62/0.61) Specifically, mBPI showed a significant reduction immediately post operation to 3 months (p < 0.001), although comparisons at other time points did not reveal significant differences. A lower position of the fracture was associated with a decrease in patellar height after surgery. Conclusions: Patellar height was mainly decreased from immediately post operation to 3 months. A fracture in a lower position of associated with decreased patellar height after the TBW of the transverse patellar fracture.

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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.

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PURPOSE: The 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. METHODS: This 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. RESULTS: A 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. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that implant-related complications occurred significantly more often after TBW compared to LPO. The complication rates were similar in all groups.

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Introduction: Olecranon fractures with compromised overlying skin such as superficial and deep abrasions and puncture wounds pose a challenge to manage as they are at a higher risk of wound and hardware-associated complications such as wound dehiscence, infection, gaping, and prominent hardware. Management of such fractures requires a holistic approach with special attention to the skin and soft tissues. Case Report: This case highlights a 28-year-old male with a history of falls from a bike resulting in the right comminuted displaced olecranon fracture with multiple superficial abrasions which was managed with a thorough wound wash, antibiotics for 3 days after which percutaneous tension band wiring was performed through a 3 cm incision to prevent any wound complications. Rehabilitation and physical therapy were started immediately and the patient restored the complete range of motion at the elbow thus resuming his activities of daily living. Conclusion: Utilizing a percutaneous technique for fixation in closed olecranon fractures with compromised overlying skin is considered an innovative, secure, dependable, and effective approach.

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Introduction: Gap non-union patellas are challenging to treat for an orthopedic surgeon. We hereby report a case of a 22-year-old person with a 3 cm gap nonunion, its surgical management, functional outcome, and implications for clinical practice. Case Report: A 22-year-old active male presented to us with a background of comminuted fracture patella left side that he suffered 1 year ago, following which he was treated by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with Tension Band Wiring (TBW). One year post-surgery, the patient had another fall, following which he had pain swelling in his left knee and difficulty in his knee extension. The patient presented 6 months later with painful ambulation and a swelling left knee. A 3 cm gap along with underlying implants could be palpated. The patient underwent surgery in the form of previous implant removal, freshening and apposition of fracture ends, and single-staged reconstruction of the extensor mechanism using TBW. The patient had full range of motion at the 1-year follow-up. Conclusion: The present case highlights the fact that small-gap non-union patella can be managed simply as a single-stage procedure with ORIF and TBW.

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Background: The purpose was to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes between preoperative mild and severe varus deformity after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with medial stabilizing technique (MST). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 158 knees of 125 female patients with a 2-year follow-up who underwent mechanically aligned TKA with MST between April 2018 and February 2021. Patients were divided into two groups; the severe varus group was defined as one with preoperative hip-knee ankle (HKA) angle ≥ 15° and the mild varus group with HKA angle < 15°. Pre- and post-operative clinical outcomes (Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index, Knee Society Knee Score) and radiographic outcomes (medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), HKA angle, lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA), joint line distance, and femoral component rotation angle) were compared between the groups. Results: Among the 158 knees analyzed, 131 and 27 were allocated to the mild and severe varus groups, respectively. Preoperative data showed that the MPTA (84.7° ± 2.8° vs. 80.7° ± 3.2°, p < 0.001) was significantly less in the severe varus group. In postoperative data, clinical outcomes were not different between the groups. Joint line distance (18.4 mm ± 2.8 mm vs. 18.6 mm ± 2.7 mm, p = 0.676) was also not significantly different. Femoral component rotation angle (-1.7° ± 1.0° vs. -1.0° ± 1.3°, p = 0.018) was more externally rotated in the severe varus group. Conclusions: Severe varus group showed comparable clinical and radiographic outcomes to that of mild varus group after mechanically aligned TKA with MST.

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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.

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INTRODUCTION: 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. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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.

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Purpose: Surgical fixation of olecranon fractures can lead to soft-tissue complications and return to the operating room for hardware removal. While some risk factors of complications after olecranon fracture fixation have been described, the effects of fixation timing on complications and reoperation have not been evaluated. The purpose of the present study was to assess whether the timing of olecranon fracture fixation affects complication and reoperation rates. Methods: All patients who underwent olecranon fracture open reduction and internal fixation at a single level 1 trauma center from January 2012 to February 2022 were included in the study. A retrospective review was performed to evaluate patients for inclusion and to identify patient demographic factors, medical comorbidities, concomitant injuries, mechanism of injury, and time to fixation. Operative and clinical notes were evaluated to identify fixation type and outcomes of interest. Patients were stratified into early, standard, and delayed fixation groups (0-3 days, 4-14 days, and >14 days, respectively) for independent analyses, and Fisher's exact test was used to identify differences in complications and reoperations between groups. Multivariate analysis was used to assess associations between patient demographic factors, complication rates, and time to surgery. Results: A total of 97 patients met inclusion criteria of having an olecranon open reduction and internal fixation and had a minimum follow-up of at least 10 weeks, with an average follow-up of 7.1 months. The average time to surgery in the overall cohort was 9.3 days. There were no differences in the number of total complications and rate of reoperation among the three cohorts. Smoking was found to be significantly associated with total complications, while open fracture was significantly associated with reoperation. Polytrauma and open fracture were significantly associated with earlier operation, while smoking was significantly associated with delayed fixation. Conclusions: The timing of fixation of displaced olecranon fractures does not significantly increase the rate of early complications or reoperation. Type of study/level of evidence: Symptom Prevalence Study III.

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PURPOSE: 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. METHODS: 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. RESULTS: 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. CONCLUSIONS: 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. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: 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.

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Introduction: Acute avulsion of the tibial tubercle is an uncommon fracture, with reported incidence rates of 0.4-2.7% of all epiphyseal injuries and <1% of all physeal injuries. Typically, these fractures present with marked displacement of the entire proximal apophysis, with or without intra-articular extension, and variable associated soft-tissue injury. The Ogden classification has historically directed both non-operative and operative treatment of this injury. The overarching objective of several fracture fixation techniques has been outlined as being to restore the joint surface and the extensor mechanism. Case Report: This case report describes the management of a 14-year-old male who sustained a rare avulsion fracture of the left tibial tuberosity with epiphyseal injury during a soccer game. The fracture was classified as Ogden Type III-B, indicating an intra-articular extension. The patient underwent open reduction and internal fixation with three cannulated screws and tension band wiring. Conclusion: The fracture united with no residual deformity and return of full range of motion. Tension band wiring provides stable reduction; hence, prompt diagnosis and appropriate surgical intervention in similar cases is important to optimize outcomes.

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BACKGROUND: Transcondylar fractures have been reported to rarely occur in the distal humerus, and stable fixation is difficult because of the unique fracture pattern. However, few studies have reported the risk factors for nonunion after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). This study aimed to evaluate the demographic and surgical risk factors for nonunion in patients who had undergone ORIF for transcondylar fractures. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 68 patients who underwent ORIF for transcondylar fractures. Preoperative demographic factors, including diabetes mellitus (DM) and smoking, and operative factors, including fixation methods (eg, dual plate/single plate/tension band wiring [TBW]) were assessed as risk factors for nonunion. RESULTS: Nonunion occurred in 8 out of 68 patients (11.8%). Univariate analysis revealed that among the demographic factors, DM (4/8 [50%] vs. 8/60 [13.3%], P = .028) and smoking (3/8 [37.5%] vs. 4/60 [6.7%], P = .031) were significantly different between nonunion and union patients. Regarding operative factors, the fixation method (dual plate/single plate/TBW; 2 [25.0%]/2 [25.0%]/4 [50%] vs. 29 [48.3%]/25 [41.7%]/6 [10.0%], P = .033) showed significant differences between nonunion and union patients. Multivariate regression analysis showed that DM (odds ratio [OR], 10.560; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.308-85.247; P = .027), smoking (OR 22.371; 95% CI, 2.111-237.081; P = .010), and TBW (OR 15.390; 95% CI, 1.348-175.666; P = .028) were independent risk factors for nonunion. CONCLUSIONS: Nonunion occurred in approximately 12% of the patients who underwent ORIF in the transcondylar region of the distal humerus. The risk of nonunion was higher in patients with DM than those who smoked. In addition, among the fixation methods, the TBW technique was a significant risk factor for nonunion.

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PURPOSE: This study aimed to compare the biomechanical pull-out strength of the three different tension band wiring (TBW) methods employed to fix transverse olecranon fractures on bone models. METHODS: Three different fixation models were created in groups of seven synthetic olecranon fractured bone models. The first technique was fixed the olecranon with the traditional TBW method. The second technique was fixed the olecranon with a large intramedullary screw TBW method. The third technique was fixed the olecranon with the double-screw TBW method. The pull-out force needed for the failure of each specimen under the tensile test device was evaluated, and the results were recorded. RESULTS: We found that the lowest average pull out strength was 55.10 N (range: 35.87-65.85 ± 10.17) in the traditional TBW method, the highest pull out strength was 84.28 N (range: 63.67-117 ± 18.87) in the double-screw TBW method. The pull out strength was 70.80 N (range: 52.60-80.95 ± 10.18) in the intramedullary screw TBW method. In terms of ultimate failure loads, there was no significant difference between the intramedullary screw TBW and the double-screw TBW (p > .05) while there was a significant difference between the traditional TBW and the other two methods (p < .05). CONCLUSION: The use of screw(s) shows higher biomechanical stability than K-wires in the TBW method. Double-screws fixation gives similar results in terms of the biomechanical load to failure compared to a large intramedullary screw fixation. Both screw methods can be used as stable constructs in clinical practice. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, biomechanical trial.

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