Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare several osteosynthesis techniques (intramedullary headless compression screws, T-plates, and Kirschner wires) for distal epiphyseal fractures of proximal phalanges in a human cadaveric model.

Methods: A total of 90 proximal phalanges from 30 specimens (index, ring, and middle fingers) were used for this study. After stripping off all soft tissue, a transverse distal epiphyseal fracture was simulated at the proximal phalanx. The 30 specimens were randomly assigned to 1 fixation technique (30 per technique), either a 3.0-mm intramedullary headless compression screw, locking plate fixation with a 2.0-mm T-plate, or 2 oblique 1.0-mm Kirschner wires. Displacement analysis (bending, distraction, and torsion) was performed using optical tracking of an applied random speckle pattern after osteosynthesis. Biomechanical testing was performed with increasing cyclic loading and with cyclic load to failure using a biaxial torsion-tension testing machine.

Results: Cannulated intramedullary compression screws showed significantly less displacement at the fracture site in torsional testing. Furthermore, screws were significantly more stable in bending testing. Kirschner wires were significantly less stable than plating or screw fixation in any cyclic load to failure test setup.

Conclusions: Intramedullary compression screws are a highly stable alternative in the treatment of transverse distal epiphyseal phalangeal fractures. Kirschner wires seem to be inferior regarding displacement properties and primary stability.

Clinical Relevance: Fracture fixation of phalangeal fractures using plate osteosynthesis may have the advantage of a very rigid reduction, but disadvantages such as stiffness owing to the more invasive surgical approach and soft tissue irritation should be taken into account. Headless compression screws represent a minimally invasive choice for fixation with good biomechanical properties.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jhsa.2020.04.010DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

kirschner wires
20
compression screws
20
phalangeal fractures
12
headless compression
12
distal epiphyseal
12
intramedullary headless
8
proximal phalanges
8
soft tissue
8
transverse distal
8
cyclic load
8

Similar Publications

The traditional standard of care, tension band wire fixation modalities commonly used to treat non-comminuted olecranon fractures, are frequently associated with complications, with symptomatic hardware being the most common issue, often necessitating subsequent surgical procedures for hardware removal. We present a case of a young, active gentleman who sustained a simple olecranon fracture (Mayo type IIA) and underwent open reduction with the innovative all-suture non-metallic internal fixation procedure. We used a low-profile, cost-effective alternative fracture fixation technique, following the principles of pre-existing surgical techniques, while utilizing FiberWire sutures with biomechanical properties equivalent to, or possibly superior to, conventionally used metallic wires, thereby eliminating the need for additional surgical intervention.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Accidental ingestion of foreign bodies frequently necessitates emergency department visits, with many cases requiring surgical consultation. Although most ingested items pass through the gastrointestinal tract uneventfully, orthodontic components, such as wires, present a specific risk due to their shape and material properties. This report describes a rare case of a 13-year-old male adolescent whose initial presentation suggested ingestion of a chicken bone.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Distal augmentation in unstable distal clavicle fractures: a retrospective cohort study of 101 cases.

Arch Orthop Trauma Surg

January 2025

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, 123, Ta Pei Road, Niao Sung Dist, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.

Introduction: The optimal management strategy for unstable distal clavicular fractures remains controversial. Recent studies on plate techniques have reported good-to-excellent outcomes with no serious complications. The questions are that: (1) Does the use of wire augmentation with locking plate in distal part (distal wire augmentation) reduce radiographic loss of reduction (RLOR) and get earlier bony union in distal clavicular fractures? (2) Which fixation methods are associated with a higher incidence of acromioclavicular (AC) joints arthritis or subluxation? We collected and analyzed clinical studies on different plate fixation methods for unstable fractures to identify the best surgical modality.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Mandibular Prognathism Correction in a Juvenile Umbrella Cockatoo () With the Use of an Orthosis.

J Avian Med Surg

January 2025

Stahl Exotic Animal Veterinary Services, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA.

A 9-week-old male umbrella cockatoo () presented with mandibular prognathism. The rostral rhinothecal tomial length appeared subjectively shorter than the rostral gnathothecal length, which was subjectively rostrally elongated. After an initial orthosis failed, a second orthosis was designed that employed the use of an orthopedic wire anchor in the rostral end of the rhinotheca, leaving the premaxillary bone undisturbed.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

: Most metacarpal fractures are isolated, simple, closed, and stable fractures and located distally. They are often caused by accidental falls, strikes by humans, by objects or traffic accidents. The majority can be treated conservatively.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!