Is the novel olecranon tension plate a valid alternative to tension band wiring of olecranon fractures? A biomechanical study on cadaver bones.

INTRODUCTION: Tension band wiring (TBW) used for olecranon fractures is afflicted with a high rate of complications. The aim of this study was to compare the stability of the TBW versus an alternative, novel low-profile olecranon tension plate (OTP) with angular stable screws in a simulated complex fracture model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine fresh-frozen pairs of cadaver proximal ulnae with an oblique osteotomy and an additional wedge fragment simulating an unstable fracture were tested. The TBW and OTP were implanted pairwise. The elbow motion was simulated in a single-muscle model and ranged from full extension to 90° of flexion. The pulling force of the triceps tendon ranged from 50 to 200 N. The displacement of the fracture fragments was measured with a video motion analysis system over 304 cycles. Data were assessed statistically using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: The cyclic loading tests showed mean loosening of the fracture fragments at the articular surface of 0.56 mm using TBW (SD 0.65) and 0.15 mm for OTP (SD 0.39). There was no statistical significance in loosening between the two constructs (p = 0.31). No plate breakage or screw loosening occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The low-profile OTP, using the principles of pre-tensioning, lag, cortical, and angular stable screws together, demonstrated similar stability after olecranon fracture fixation when compared with the TBW technique and a lag screw in the olecranon fracture model with a third wedge fragment.

Results Of The Treatement Of Intracapsular Femoral Neck Fractures With A New Dynamic Locking Plate.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes in patients with intracapsular femoral neck fractures treated with the novel Targon FN implant. Sixty two patients (mean age: 57 years) were included. The clinical and radiological results were investigated. Radiological and clinical followup (mean time: 21,2 months) was available for 51 patients; in 36 patients, Harris Hip Score (HHS) outcome data were additionally assessed. The overall complication rate was 8%. The median Harris Hip Score was 92 (range 30-100). The results of the Harris Hip Score were rated excellent or good in 26 (72%) patients and fair or poor in 10 (28%). The HHS was correlated significantly with age at trauma, time from admission to operation, preexisting cardiovascular risk factors and disease of the ipsilateral leg. The positive experience with Targon FN suggests that this implant is an advance in treatment of intracapsular femoral neck fractures with head-preserving surgery.

Osteosynthesis of Proximal Humeral Fractures with the Fixed Angle PHILOS-plate.

In a retrospective study we analyzed the functional and radiological outcome of 30 proximal humeral fractures, treated by PHILOS-plate, a fixed-angle device. Two of them were characterized as type Neer III, 14 as type Neer IV, 5 as type Neer V and 9 as type Neer VI. There were 2 2-part, 16 3-part and 12 4-part fractures. According to the constant-score, the normalized constant-score and the UCLA-score, good to excellent results were obtained in 66.7, 76.7 and 76.7%. Twenty-six (86.7%) patients had no or mild pain. Active forward flexion and active abduction over 90° was possible in 26 (86.7%) cases. Four (13.3%) patients developed partial avascular necrosis. Screw perforation was seen in 3 (10%) cases, delayed union in 1 (3.3%) case, malunion in 1 case and a loosening of plate and screws in another one. A secondary varus displacement of 5°-35° with a mean of 7° was found in 19 (63.3%) cases. The average time to union was 75 days. Fixation with PHILOS-plate is an adequate treatment for displaced 2- to 4-part fractures. Even in dislocated or 4-part fractures or in patients over 65 years good to excellent results were seen in the majority of cases.