Work

Biomechanical comparison of two tension band wiring techniques for transverse patella fracture fixation: an in vitro study of 3-D printing models

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: biomechanical behaviour of a surgical construct consisting of screws and cable cerclage figure-of-eight tension band against the classic tension band technique using a specifically designed 3-D printed model of patella fracture. The patellar-fracture fixation systems tested in the current study consisted of screws and cerclage cable tension band compared to a conventional modified AO (Association of Osteosynthesis) tension band. Each system was tested in ten 3D- printed patella - fracture models. Two trials were designed to reproduce the forces the patella withstands throughout the range of knee motion. Differences between forces and displacement were explored with the Student t test. In the extension test, the between-group difference of the force required for failure was 1455,9 N greater in the screw cerclage cable setup in the flexion test, the screw cerclage group showed lower fracture displacement (1,42 mm less displacement) at higher forces (more than 244,9 N) compared to the Modified AO tension band. Differences were found to be statistically significant. Screws and cerclage cable are an alternative to conventional surgical procedures for transverse patellar fractures. Further research must establish if this setup and new non metallic materials should become the surgical treatment gold standard.

Source: International Biomechanics

DOI: 10.1080/23335432.2025.2562270

Authors: David Sáez Martínez, Juan Carlos Del Real Romero, Emilio Calvo Crespo, Felipe López-Oliva Muñoz

Institutions: Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Pontificia Comillas

Language: English

Topic: Bone fractures and treatments

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $969