BIOMECHANICAL EVALUATION OF STABILIZATION OF SUPRACONDYLAR HUMERUS FRACTURES USING DOUBLE TENSION BAND OSTEOSYNTHESIS COMPARED WITH DOUBLE RECONSTRUCTION PLATE OSTEOSYNTHESIS

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this biomechanical study is to compare the double reconstruction plate osteosynthesis versus double tension band osteosynthesis in the fixation of osteoporotic supracondylar humeral fractures.

Materials and Methods: Sixteen fresh cadavers (mean age: 75, range:70–80) were randomized into two experimental groups. Same supracondylar transverse humeral fractures were formed in both groups. Fractures in the first group, were fixed with double tension band technique using 2mm in diameter Kirschner wires and 1mm in diameter tension wires. Fractures in the second group, were fixed with double reconstruction plate osteosynthesis using 3,5mm reconstruction plates each fixing medial and lateral columns. Distal fragment was fixed with only one screw. Axial loading, maximum load, failure load and failure patterns were analysed. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 13.90 soft ware program. Groups were compared with Mann Whitney U test.

Results: Minimum load reqired for fracture displacement was statistically higher in double reconstruction plate osteosynthesis group (p< 0.005). Minumum load reqired for fixation failure was statistically higher in double reconstrution plate osteosynthesis group (p< 0,020).

Conclusion: Fracture healing mainly depends on a stable fracture fixation. Double plate ostesynthesis should be preferred over double tension band technique in osteoporotic supracondylar humeral fractures as it provides more stability.