The Use Of Two Types Of Suture And Stainless-Steel Wire Tension Banding For The Fixation Of Olecranon Fractures: A Biomechanical Comparison

Authors

• Stuart Drew, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation Stony Brook University
• Samer Al-Humadi, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Stony Brook University
• David Komatsu, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Stony Brook University
• Ann M. Meo, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Stony Brook University

Keywords

Olecranon fracture, tension band fixation

Abstract

Purpose: Tension band constructs are commonly used for olecranon fracture fixation. The purpose of this study was to determine if a tension band constructed of No. 2 Dynacord suture, a silicone and salt-filled core within a UHMWPE sheath that expands radially and shortens axially when exposed to saline aqueous environment will provide constant initial static ompression forces compared to No. 2 FiberWire and stainless 18-gauge metal wire tension band.

Methods: A transverse osteotomy was placed in two sawbones models. Two 1.6 K-wires were placed across the osteotomy site and a Tekscan pressure sensor placed into the osteotomy site. The figure 8 tension band construct was then preform using No. 2 Dynacord, No 2. Fiberwire and 18-gauge gauge metal wire though a distal drilled 2 mm bone tunnel. The tension band constructs were placed in saline solution in a 37°C incubator for the one-week period to monitor compression load changes.

Results: All Dynacord constructs increased the compression forces across the osteotomy site over the 1st week. The average change of force across the osteotomy site for No. 2 Dynacord cord suture increase by 0.35 lbs. (SEM 0.35). The No. 2 Fiberwire average change of force decreased by 0.9 lbs. over 1 week (SEM 0 .04).

Conclusion: The Dynacord suture was seen to maintain and increase the initial compression force across the osteotomy site compared to the Fiberwire tension band construct.

Disclosure Statement

None of the authors has any funding sources, commercial, or financial conflicts of interest to declare.

Corresponding Author

David E. Komatsu, PhD

david.komatsu@stonybrookmedicine.edu

Recommended Citation

Drew, Stuart; Al-Humadi, Samer; Komatsu, David; and Meo, Ann M. (2022) "The Use Of Two Types Of Suture And Stainless-Steel Wire Tension Banding For The Fixation Of Olecranon Fractures: A Biomechanical Comparison," Stony Brook Orthopaedic and Musculoskeletal Journal: Vol. 2, Article 2.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.31259/3065-2677.1013
Available at: https://commons.library.stonybrook.edu/orthomusculoskeletaljournal/vol2/iss1/2