Application of a novel shape-memory alloy concentrator in displaced olecranon fractures: a report of the technique and mid-term clinical results

Abstract

Purpose Olecranon fracture is a common upper limb fracture, and several surgical approaches have been advocated for its fixation. To overcome the complications associated with common techniques, we present a novel shape-memory alloy concentrator, an alternative for tension band compression, to fix olecranon fracture. Methods Fifty-seven patients (26 men and 31 women) with olecranon fracture, with a mean age of 45 years, were included in this study. Each patient had undergone open reduction and internal fixation using the Nitinol (Ni-Ti) arched shape-memory connector (ASC). The clinical assessments were performed using the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and the Mayo Elbow Performance (MEP) score, which were both recorded at the final follow-up visit. Results The patients were followed up for 44 months on average (range, 31 to 56 months). No patients were lost to follow-up, and all of the olecranon fractures healed in an average of 15 weeks (range, 10 to 34 weeks). The mean DASH score was 8.6 (range, 0 to 32.4), and the mean MEP score was 92.5 (range, 74 to 100). Nine patients showed postoperative complications: prominent hardware (2), infection (1), loss of the range of functional motion (5), and heterotopic ossification (1). Conclusion The ASC may serve as a favorable device for multi-fragmented and comminuted fractures with rare hardware irritation and may also provide continuous concentrative compression to accelerate osseous healing, thereby aiding the restoration and permitting an early rehabilitation with a low incidence of postoperative complications.

Clinical Outcomes of Cannulated Screws versus Ring Pin versus K-Wire with Tension Band Fixation Techniques in the Treatment of Transverse Patellar Fractures: A Case-Control Study with Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up

“…At present, the primary and conventional surgical method for the treatment of patellar transverse fracture is surgical fixation with K-wire tension band (KTB), which has been firstly defined by Müller et al in 1979 [ 8 ]. The technical advantage of this standard technique is that this method can convert tension at the fracture site, which is produced by tension band fixation into compression forces at the articular surface, helping in accelerating the healing of the fracture [ 9 , 10 ]. This technique has been widely accepted by orthopaedic trauma surgeons because of its reliable fixation, allowance of early joint motion, and mostly achieving the goals that provide a congruent articular surface and maintain rigid fixation [ 11 , 12 ].…”