Open reduction and internal fixation using multiple nonabsorbable suture materials in acute patella fracture: comparison of clinical and radiological outcome with tension band wiring

Background For treating displaced patella fractures, tension band wiring is the most widely used technique. However, implant removal surgery is often necessary to alleviate discomfort caused by fixation materials. On the contrary, fixation using nonabsorbable suture materials is anticipated to result in comparable outcomes without need for further implant removal surgery. However, there is a lack of clinical studies comparing the two fixation techniques (wire and nonabsorbable suture materials) for acute patella fractures. Methods From 2014 to 2018, we retrospectively reviewed 60 patients who underwent open reduction with internal fixation for acute patella fracture. Thirty patients (group 1) who received surgery using tension band wiring and 30 patients (group 2) who received surgery using nonabsorbable suture materials were enrolled. The average follow-up period was more than 1 year after operation. Operation time, postoperative bone union time, range of motion (ROM) of the knee joint, postoperative clinical results, and complications were compared between the two groups. Result Operation time, clinical bone union, and radiologic bone union were not statistically different between groups 1 and 2. At 3 months postoperatively, flexion was 120.3 ± 9.4° in group 1 and 110.5 ± 7.7° in group 2, showing statistically significant difference (p = 0.037). At 6 and 12 months postoperatively, the ROM was similar in both groups. Hospital for special surgery score at 3 months postoperatively was 78.4 ± 8.2 in group 1 and 83.7 ± 8.7 in group 2, showing statistically significant differences (p = 0.032). However, at 6 and 12 months postoperatively, there were no statistical differences. Lysholm score at 3 months postoperatively was 73.5 ± 8.1 in group 1 and 80.4 ± 8.2 in group 2, showing statistically significant difference (p = 0.016), but at 6 and 12 months postoperatively, there were no statistical differences. Conclusion Fixation using multiple nonabsorbable suture materials can be an alternative surgical method in managing patella fractures, along with tension band wiring.

Abstaining from symptomatic implants of modified tension band wiring by nonabsorbable suture fixation for transverse patella fractures

Background Modified tension band fixation has become commonly used for transverse patella fractures. The conventional stainless steel wire provides sufficient stability but may be associated with complications. Objective The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a new modified tension band fixation technique for transverse patella fractures using a nonabsorbable suture. Material and methods We present the result of a prospective series using a nonabsorbable suture (FiberWire) for transverse patella fractures. The mean follow-up period totaled 12 months. A total of 16 patients were evaluated by radiographic and clinical review. The postoperative clinical evaluation employed Lysholm and Böstman scores. Result All clinical results on follow-up were good to excellent. Minimal intra-articular joint stepping and further fracture displacement were recorded. No patient needed re-operation, and functional outcomes of the knee were satisfactory. No significant differences were found between the injured and contralateral knee range of motion. No symptomatic implants and skin complications were noted, and all fractures were completed heal within 15 weeks. Conclusion FiberWire provided sufficient stability and reduced postoperative complications. The results proved appropriate, and the technique has merit, as it obviates the need for re-operation.

The Efficacy of Ab Externo Canaloplasty by Using a Nonabsorbable Suture and No Viscoelastics; IOP Results, Intraoperative and Early Complication Rates within 6-Month Follow-Up Period

Background To report the efficacy of ab externo canaloplasty by exclusively using only a nonabsorbable suture as a standalone operation or combined with phacoemulsification in terms of mean intraocular pressure (IOP), medication reduction, and intra- and postoperative complication rates as well as additional glaucoma surgery. Patients and Methods Forty-eight patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and 50 eyes were divided into two groups according to the operation performed (Group A canaloplasty, n = 34 and Group B canaloplasty combined with phaco, n = 16), respectively. The success criteria were evaluated between three IOP ranges: a) IOP ≤ 16 mmHg, b) ≤ 18 mmHg, and c) ≤ 21 mmHg. Complete success was considered the percentage of eyes reaching these goals with no medication and qualified success with or without medication. Groups A and B were compared with the Kaplan-Meier test. Mean IOP and medication reduction as well as additional glaucoma surgery were also evaluated. The follow-up time was 6 months. Statistical importance was given at p < 0.05. Results Fail rate and intraoperative conversion of canaloplasty to other surgery (trabeculotomy due to extensive cheese-wiring) accounted for 12% (6 eyes), while a mandatory usage of the iTrack 250A microcatheter to successfully overcome intracanalicular bridging of the Schlemmʼs canal accounted for 20% (10 eyes). The most common early postoperative complications in both groups were hyphema, cheese wiring, and transient IOP rising. The mean IOP in Group A reduced from 23.67 ± 6.06 mmHg to 13.35 ± 4.23 mmHg and in Group B, it reduced from 23.55 ± 6.19 mmHg to 12.75 ± 1.5 mmHg at 6 months (p < 0.001). Group Aʼs absolute success rates accounted for a) 44%, b) 47.1%, and c) 52.9% in comparison to Group B [a) 50%, b) 50%, and c) 56.3%] at 6 months (p < 0.05). Qualified success with or without medication showed no statistical differences between the groups. The mean medication reduction was significantly lower (p < 0.001) in both groups (Group A from baseline 3.2 ± 1.23 to 0.95 ± 1.35 and Group B from 3.12 ± 0.88 to 1.12 ± 0.75 at 6 months, respectively). Five eyes (10%) required additional glaucoma surgery. Conclusions Ab externo canaloplasty by exclusively using only a nonabsorbable suture as a standalone operation or combined with phacoemulsification seems to lower the mean IOP and medication sufficiently. However, they pose a greater surgical challenge and intraoperative complication rate. Additional glaucoma surgery or medication following both procedures may be necessary to achieve an optimal target IOP.

Achilles Tendon Repair With Modified Giftbox Technique Using Nonabsorbable Suture Loops

Background: Achilles tendon ruptures occur most commonly in male individuals aged between 30 and 60 years. Indications: Surgical options for treatment of acute midsubstance Achilles tendon ruptures in the athletically active population include open, mini-open, and percutaneous techniques. Surgical Technique: The giftbox suture configuration has been popularized by multiple authors. Here, a modified giftbox technique for Achilles tendon repair is shown in detail and uses nonabsorbable suture loops, a novel method for primarily repairing complete Achilles tendon ruptures. Results: This mini-open technique has demonstrated, at a minimum of 1-year follow-up, outcomes that are comparable with previously reported Achilles tendon repair procedures with no re-ruptures and low overall complication rates in the first 60 patients who have undergone this procedure. The mean time to release to unrestricted activity following repair by this technique is 24.3 weeks, which is earlier than most standard techniques. Conclusion: Achilles tendon repair using the modified gift box technique with nonabsorbable suture loops is a safe and reliable technique for repair of midsubstance tendon ruptures in athletically active patients. The mean time to release to unrestricted activity following repair by this technique is earlier than most standard techniques.

Anterior Syndesmotic Augmentation Technique Using Nonabsorbable Suture-Tape for Acute and Chronic Syndesmotic Instability

Syndesmotic instability is a source of significant pain and disability. Both subtle instability and gross diastasis, whether acute or chronic, require stabilization and may benefit from reconstruction with ligamentous augmentation. The use of nonabsorbable suture-tape has emerged as a promising operative strategy, allowing surgeons to anatomically reconstruct the syndesmosis, in particular the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament. The current work provides a detailed description of the technique and preliminary results of a patient cohort treated using nonabsorbable suture-tape for syndesmotic augmentation. Level of Evidence: Level V, expert opinion.