FiberWire is superior in strength to stainless steel wire for tension band fixation of transverse patellar fractures.

BACKGROUND: The metal implants used to achieve fixation of displaced transverse patellar fractures are associated with implant failure, postoperative pain and a significant re-operation rate. Recent studies have examined braided suture as a possible alternative to stainless steel wire to increase patient satisfaction and decrease re-operation rates, but suture has not demonstrated clearly superior fixation strength. FiberWire is a reinforced braided polyblend suture that has demonstrated superior characteristics to the previous sutures studied and has not to our knowledge been examined as a material for tension band fixation of transverse patellar fractures. METHODS: Materials testing was performed on repeated samples of No. 5 FiberWire suture and 18-gauge stainless steel wire. The strength and stiffness of each material was measured. The two materials were then used for tension band fixation on a novel transverse patellar fracture model and tested to failure by three-point bending. The constructs included a single stainless steel wire, a single-strand FiberWire tied with a sliding knot, double-strand FiberWire tied with sliding knots and double-strand FiberWire tied with a Wagoner's Hitch. The fixation strength and stiffness of the constructs were measured. FINDINGS: Unlike stainless steel, FiberWire maintained its initial stiffness until failure. Furthermore, during three-point-bend testing, double-strand FiberWire was found to have a significantly higher failure load than stainless steel wire when the suture was tied and locked under the tension produced by a modified Wagoner's Hitch. INTERPRETATION: FiberWire is a potentially superior alternative to stainless steel wire in tension band fixation of transverse patellar fractures.

Fitting a prosthesis over phthisis bulbi or discolored blind eyes.

An ocular prosthesis fitted over phthisis bulbi or a discolored blind eye of near normal size is a positive approach to improve the cosmetic appearance and psychological well-being of the patient. Unless surgical intervention is essential, fitting a prosthesis over the residual eye is a successful alternative to enucleation or evisceration. In general, for these individuals there is minimal disruption of the periocular tissues, thus, reducing fitting problems associated with enucleation and evisceration. A prosthesis properly fitted over phthisis bulbi or a discolored blind eye will maintain the integrity of the orbital anatomy, enhance cosmesis, and accelerate the rehabilitation of the patient.