How many knots are necessary to achieve knot security of two high strength suture tapes? A biomechanical comparative analysis.

Introduction: According to current clinical practice, a minimum of 7 knots are required to provide secure hold in high-strength sutures. A new technology featuring a suture tape with a salt-infused silicon core has been recently developed, potentially reducing the number of needed knots.

Aims: to (1) assess the influence of number of knots on tape security, (2) evaluate the effect of different ambient conditions on knot security, and (3) compare the biomechanical competence of the novel versus a conventional suture tape.

Fixation of Takeuchi Type II/III lateral hinge fractures provides favourable stability of a medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy-A biomechanical study.

Purpose: To investigate the biomechanical consequences of osteosynthesis of lateral hinge fractures (LHFs) in medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO).

Methods: Sixteen fresh-frozen human cadaveric proximal tibiae underwent MOWHTO fixed with an ipsilateral locking compression plate. The specimens were assigned to two clusters simulating LHFs according to the Takeuchi classification: (1) Type II fracture; and (2) Type III fracture.

45° helical plates are a valid alternative to straight plates for treatment of proximal humeral shaft fractures.

Helical plates used for proximal humeral shaft fracture fixation avoid the radial nerve distally as compared to straight plates. To investigate in a human cadaveric model the biomechanical competence of straight lateral plates versus 45° helical plates used for fixation of proximal comminuted humeral shaft fractures, eight pairs of human cadaveric humeri were instrumented using either a long straight PHILOS plate (Group 1) or a 45° helical plate (Group 2) for treatment of an unstable proximal humeral shaft fracture. All specimens were tested under non-destructive quasi-static loading in axial compression, internal and external rotation, and bending in four directions.

Civilian ballistic spinal cord injuries versus blunt trauma: comparative analysis of clinical characteristics, management, and outcomes.

Background Context: There are no current guidelines for the management of civilian gunshot wound injuries (GSW) to the spine and patient management often relies on algorithms derived from blunt trauma (BT). However, spinal cord injury due to GSW or blunt trauma mechanism may have significantly different clinical presentation, management, and outcomes. To ensure improved and evidence-based treatment, we need to understand the outcome determining characteristics of civilian GSW to the spine and identify the differences to the well-studied BT.

The impact of adjuvant antibiotic hydrogel application on the primary stability of uncemented hip stems.

Objectives: To assess the effect of adjuvant antibiotic-loaded hydrogel application on the primary stability of implanted uncemented hip stems.

Design: Biomechanical study.

Setting: An electro-mechanic material test system (#5866, Instron, Norwood, MA, USA) equipped with a 10-kN load cell was used.