Biomechanical Comparison of a Novel Method of Tricortical Kirschner Wire Fixation of Distal Chevron Osteotomies of the First Metatarsal Versus Traditional Kirschner Wire and Versus Screw Fixation

2020 ◽  
pp. 193864002096533
Author(s):  
Jie Chen ◽  
Natalie R. Black ◽  
Randall Morris ◽  
Vinod K. Panchbhavi
Keyword(s):  
Screw Fixation ◽  
Kirschner Wire ◽  
Matched Pair ◽  
Stiffness Ratio ◽  
First Metatarsal ◽  
Single Screw ◽  
Chevron Osteotomy ◽  
Wire Fixation ◽  
Load To Failure ◽  
K Wires

Introduction: Traditional Kirschner wire (K-wire) stabilization of first metatarsal distal chevron osteotomy involves 1 cortex of fixation; however, unicortical fixation is associated with a high complication rate, including pin migration. A method of K-wire fixation utilizing 3 cortices may be biomechanically superior and potentially equivalent to single-screw fixation. Methods: Cadaveric specimens fixed with tricortical K-wires were tested in both the physiologic and cantilever conditions against specimens fixed with unicortical K-wires (N = 8) and single screws (N = 9) utilizing matched-pair comparison groups. Differences in physiologic and cantilever fixed/intact stiffness ratio and cantilever failure load were determined. Results: The tricortical fixation specimens had a significantly higher stiffness ratio in cantilever loading than the unicortical fixation specimens (60.50% tricortical, 34.17% unicortical, P = .02) but not in physiologic load (15.34% tricortical, 25.75% unicortical, P = .23). In cantilever failure loading, the tricortical fixation specimens had a significantly higher load to failure than the unicortical fixation specimens (132.81 N tricortical, 58.58 N unicortical, P < .01). Stiffness ratio under physiologic load, cantilever load, and ultimate load to failure were not significantly different between tricortical K-wire and screw-fixation groups. Conclusion: Tricortical K-wire fixation for distal chevron osteotomies is biomechanically superior to traditional unicortical K-wire fixation, and equivalent to single-screw fixation. Levels of Evidence: Level V: Cadaver study

Lateral condylar fractures of the humerus in children

2018 ◽  
Vol 100-B (3) ◽  
pp. 387-395 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Ganeshalingam ◽  
A. Donnan ◽  
O. Evans ◽  
M. Hoq ◽  
M. Camp ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Screw Fixation ◽  
Kirschner Wire ◽  
Lateral Condyle ◽  
Fractures In Children ◽  
Wire Fixation ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
Carrying Angle ◽  
K Wires ◽  
Condylar Fractures

Aims Displaced fractures of the lateral condyle of the humerus are frequently managed surgically with the aim of avoiding nonunion, malunion, disturbances of growth and later arthritis. The ideal method of fixation is however not known, and treatment varies between surgeons and hospitals. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of two well-established forms of surgical treatment, Kirschner wire (K-wire) and screw fixation. Patients and Methods A retrospective cohort study of children who underwent surgical treatment for a fracture of the lateral condyle of the humerus between January 2005 and December 2014 at two centres was undertaken. Pre, intraoperative and postoperative characteristics were evaluated. A total of 336 children were included in the study. Their mean age at the time of injury was 5.8 years (0 to 15) with a male:female patient ratio of 3:2. A total of 243 (72%) had a Milch II fracture and the fracture was displaced by > 2 mm in 228 (68%). In all, 235 patients underwent K-wire fixation and 101 had screw fixation. Results There was a higher rate of nonunion with K-wire fixation (p = 0.02). There was no difference in Baumann’s angle, carrying angle or the rate of major complications between the two groups. No benefit was obtained by immobilizing the elbow for more than four weeks in either group. No short-term complications were seen when fixation crossed the lateral ossific nucleus. Conclusions Fixation of lateral condylar humeral fractures in children using either K-wires or screws gives satisfactory results. Proponents of both techniques may find justification of their methods in our data, but prospective, randomized trials with long-term follow-up are required to confirm the findings, which suggest a higher rate of nonunion with K-wire fixation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:387–95.

Plantar-to-Dorsal Compared to Dorsal-to-Plantar Screw Fixation for Proximal Chevron Osteotomy: A Biomechanical Analysis

2005 ◽  
Vol 26 (10) ◽  
pp. 854-858 ◽  
Author(s):  
Krishn M. Sharma ◽  
Brent G. Parks ◽  
Augustine Nguyen ◽  
Lew C. Schon
Keyword(s):  
Screw Fixation ◽  
Biomechanical Analysis ◽  
Fixation Method ◽  
Materials Testing ◽  
Metatarsal Osteotomy ◽  
First Metatarsal ◽  
Lag Screw ◽  
Chevron Osteotomy ◽  
Plantar Aspect ◽  
Load To Failure

Background: A change in screw orientation in fixing the chevron proximal first metatarsal osteotomy was noted anecdotally to improve fixation strength. The authors hypothesized that plantar-to-dorsal screw orientation would be more stable than the conventional dorsal-to-plantar screw orientation for fixation of the chevron osteotomy. The purpose of this study was to determine if the load-to-failure and stiffness of the chevron type proximal first metatarsal osteotomy stabilized using plantar-to-dorsal screw fixation were greater than with the more conventional dorsal-to-plantar screw fixation method. Methods: One foot from each of eight matched cadaver pairs was randomly assigned to one of two groups: 1) fixation with a dorsal-to-plantar lag screw or 2) fixation with a plantar-to-dorsal lag screw. A proximal chevron osteotomy was then created using standard technique and the metatarsal was fixed according to previously established method. The bone was potted in polyester resin, and the construct was fitted into a materials testing system machine in which load was applied to the plantar aspect of the metatarsal until failure. The two groups were compared using a two-tailed Student t test. Results: The average load-to-failure and stiffness of the chevron osteotomy fixed with the plantar-to-dorsal lag screw were significantly greater ( p < 0.05) than the group fixed with more conventional dorsal-to-plantar lag screws. Conclusion: Plantar-to-dorsal screw orientation was more stable than the conventional dorsal-to-plantar screw orientation for fixation of the proximal chevron osteotomy. Plantar-to-dorsal screw orientation should be considered when using the chevron proximal first metatarsal osteotomy.

scholarly journals Screw Fixation Method through Temporary Kirschner Wire Hole for Coronal Hamate Fracture

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong Gil Jo ◽  
Yohan Lee ◽  
Joonha Lee ◽  
Kee Jeong Bae ◽  
Min Bom Kim ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Open Reduction ◽  
Screw Fixation ◽  
Kirschner Wire ◽  
Bone Union ◽  
Fixation Method ◽  
Dash Score ◽  
Treatment Technique ◽  
Carpometacarpal Joint ◽  
Wire Fixation ◽  
K Wires

Purpose: Hamate coronal body fracture is a rare injury and often associated with dislocation of the carpometacarpal joint. For preserving the carpometacarpal joint, open reduction and rigid internal fixation is needed to displaced fracture. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of treating hamate coronal fracture with the screw fixation method through a temporary Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation hole.Methods: From August 2016 to January 2021, eight patients who had displaced coronal hamate body fractures were enrolled. All patients were performed open reduction and multiple K-wires fixations. After that, the cortical screws were then inserted directly into the holes made by removing the K-wires one by one. The outcome measures were Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores.Results: The average follow-up period was 11.5 months (range, 5–8 months) after surgery, and the bone union was observed at the 8 weeks after surgery. We confirmed that bone union had been completed for all the patients, and functional tests showed that the average DASH score was 3.95 (range, 0–8.3) and VAS score was 0.8 (range, 0–3).Conclusion: In coronal hamate body fractures, open reduction and screw fixation method through temporary K-wire fixation hole is simple and effective treatment technique.

Single Versus Dual Headless Compression Screw Fixation of Scaphoid Nonunions: A Biomechanical Comparison

Hand ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 155894472097411
Author(s):  
Luke T. Nicholson ◽  
Kristen M. Sochol ◽  
Ali Azad ◽  
Ram Kiran Alluri ◽  
J. Ryan Hill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Screw Fixation ◽  
Qualitative Assessment ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Scaphoid Nonunion ◽  
Compression Screw ◽  
Single Screw ◽  
Headless Compression Screw ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Load To Failure ◽  
Headless Compression Screws

Background: Management of scaphoid nonunions with bone loss varies substantially. Commonly, internal fixation consists of a single headless compression screw. Recently, some authors have reported on the theoretical benefits of dual-screw fixation. We hypothesized that using 2 headless compression screws would impart improved stiffness over a single-screw construct. Methods: Using a cadaveric model, we compared biomechanical characteristics of a single tapered 3.5- to 3.6-mm headless compression screw with 2 tapered 2.5- to 2.8-mm headless compression screws in a scaphoid waist nonunion model. The primary outcome measurement was construct stiffness. Secondary outcome measurements included load at 1 and 2 mm of displacement, load to failure for each specimen, and qualitative assessment of mode of failure. Results: Stiffness during load to failure was not significantly different between single- and double-screw configurations ( P = .8). Load to failure demonstrated no statistically significant difference between single- and double-screw configurations. Using a qualitative assessment, the double-screw construct maintained rotational stability more than the single-screw construct ( P = .029). Conclusions: Single- and double-screw fixation constructs in a cadaveric scaphoid nonunion model demonstrate similar construct stiffness, load to failure, and load to 1- and 2-mm displacement. Modes of failure may differ between constructs and represent an area for further study. The theoretical benefit of dual-screw fixation should be weighed against the morphologic limitations to placing 2 screws in a scaphoid nonunion.

Kirschner wire fixation for scaphoid fractures: an experimental study in synthetic bones

2011 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 325-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Gokce ◽  
H. Oflaz ◽  
A. Dulgeroglu ◽  
A. Bora ◽  
I. Gunal
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Kirschner Wire ◽  
Fracture Pattern ◽  
Biomechanical Stability ◽  
Scaphoid Fractures ◽  
Fracture Patterns ◽  
Kirschner Wire Fixation ◽  
Wire Fixation ◽  
K Wires

We have studied the biomechanical stability in vitro of three different Kirschner (K) wire configurations in three types of simulated scaphoid waist fractures. The fractures were created with a saw in Sawbones models. There were three fracture patterns: perpendicular to the long axis of the scaphoid model; and 30° and 20° oblique to that. Two 1.2 mm. K-wires were used in each scaphoid. The three configurations were: parallel; 20° oblique; and crossing. The oblique or crossing configurations of K-wires were the most stable depending on the fracture pattern.

scholarly journals Kirschner Wire Breakage during Removal Requiring Retrieval

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kai Yuen Wong ◽  
Rosalind Mole ◽  
Patrick Gillespie
Keyword(s):  
Hand Function ◽  
Kirschner Wire ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Middle Finger ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Simple Method ◽  
Wire Breakage ◽  
Wire Fixation ◽  
Pin Site ◽  
K Wires

Kirschner wires (K-wires) are widely used for fixation of fractures and dislocations in the hand as they are readily available, reliable, and cost-effective. Complication rates of up to 18% have been reported. However, K-wire breakage during removal is rare. We present one such case illustrating a simple technique for retrieval. A 35-year-old male presented with a distal phalanx fracture of his right middle finger. This open fracture was treated with K-wire fixation. Postoperatively, he developed a pin site infection with associated finger swelling. The K-wire broke during removal with the proximal piece completely retained in his middle phalanx. To minimise risk of osteomyelitis, the K-wire was removed with a novel surgical technique. He had full return of hand function. Intraoperative K-wire breakage has a reported rate of 0.1%. In our case, there was no obvious cause of breakage and the patient denied postoperative trauma. On the other hand, pin site infections are much more common with reported rates of up to 7% in the hand or wrist. K-wire fixation is a simple method for bony stabilisation but can be a demanding procedure with complications often overlooked. It is important to be aware of the potential sequelae.

scholarly journals Retrospective analysis of Intramedullary K-Wire fixation of Metacarpal Fractures

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 22-27
Author(s):  
Dr. Sunil Kumar Kirar ◽  
◽  
Dr. Sanjay Upadhyay ◽  
Dr. Sanat Singh ◽  
Dr. Atul Varshney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Closed Reduction ◽  
Kirschner Wire ◽  
Functional Results ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Metacarpal Fractures ◽  
Kirschner Wire Fixation ◽  
Metacarpal Bones ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Wire Fixation ◽  
K Wires

Introduction: The majority of fractures of the metacarpal bones occur at a young age.Most of thetimes these metacarpal fractures can be treated conservatively in a POP slab(cock up slab)producing good functional results.Surgery was indicated in patients with palmar dislocation of >30°and shortening of >5 mm.Our study aimed to evaluate the clinical results of all metacarpal fracturestreated surgically by intramedullary Kirschner-wire fixation presented in our hospital.Materials andMethods: It was a retrospective study in which we included 50 patients with metacarpalfractures(both open andclosed) that came in our hospital, treated surgically by closed reduction andwere fixed with two intramedullary k-wires. Result: K-wires were removed after 4 weekspostoperatively,under local anaesthesia in the OPD. Metacarpal joint functions (flexion, extension,rotation) were clinically followed up in all patients, on the median periodof6 months (3 months to 9months). In our study, we found in all patients,flexion and extension were normal on bothsides.Conclusion: Closed reduction and intramedullary k-wire fixation of metacarpal bone fracturesproduce good functional results in the longterm. We found a very low rate of complication and thusrecommendthis surgical method for the stabilization of all these types of fractures.

Strength of Fixation Constructs for Basilar Osteotomies of the First Metatarsal

Foot & Ankle ◽  
1992 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 509-514 ◽  
Author(s):  
George J. Lian ◽  
Keith Markolf ◽  
Andrea Cracchiolo
Keyword(s):  
Bending Strength ◽  
Bending Moment ◽  
Metatarsal Head ◽  
Fixation Strength ◽  
Osteotomy Site ◽  
Test Machine ◽  
First Metatarsal ◽  
Single Screw ◽  
Fresh Frozen ◽  
K Wires

Twenty-four pairs of fresh-frozen human feet had a proximal osteotomy of the first metatarsal that was fixed using either screws, staples, or K wires. Each metatarsal was excised and the specimen was loaded to failure in a cantilever beam configuration by applying a superiorly directed force to the metatarsal head using an MTS ser-vohydraulic test machine. Specimens with a crescentic osteotomy that were fixed using a single screw demonstrated higher mean failure moments than pairs that were fixed with four staples or two K wires; staples were the weakest construct. All specimens fixed with staples failed by bending of the staples without bony fracture; all K wire constructs but one failed by wire bending. Chevron and crescentic osteotomies fixed with a single screw demonstrated equal bending strengths; the bending strength of an oblique osteotomy fixed with two screws was 82% greater than for a crescentic osteotomy fixed with a single screw. Basilar osteotomies of the first metatarsal are useful in correcting metatarsus primus varus often associated with hallux valgus pathology. Fixation strength is an important consideration since weightbearing forces on the head of the first metatarsal acting at a distance from the osteotomy site subject the construct to a dorsiflexion bending moment, as simulated in our tests. Our results show that screw fixation is the strongest method for stabilizing a basilar osteotomy. Based upon the relatively low bending strengths of the staple and K wire constructs, we would not recommend these forms of fixation. If, for some reason, these are the only methods of fixation available, then use of a short leg cast and limited weightbearing for several weeks postoperatively should be considered.

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