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.

An anterior skin flap taken from the instep can be used to cover the bone ends in disarticulation of the ankle when ulceration or necrosis of the heel prevents the use of the heel flap for a conventional Syme’s amputation. From 1995 to 2003 December, we performed ankle disarticulation by using anterior flap after primary radical debridement in 42 cases with traumatic foot amputation injured by antipersonnel land mines. In all our cases, we observed wound healing in 2 weeks without any problems. The patients were advised to use a cylindrical bootee for indoor walking in third week. After 1–1.5 month, we put plastazote pad on stump end for prosthesis fitting, and for ourdoor walking the patients used prosthesis which would combine partial end-bearing and partial weight bearing on the patellar tendon. Ground contacting and standing without a prosthesis were also acceptable. We observed the advantages of prosthesis fitting. For instance, there is no need to open a window on the prosthesis socket for fitting and it is easier to fit the slender stump into the prosthesis. In early fitting we did not come across any problems about the slipping of the flap from stump as seen in conventional Syme’s amputation. In short and long term follow-ups, we found that the patients did not complain much about their prosthesis. For all these reasons, we think that ankle disarticulation with anterior flap rather than transtibial amputation should be preferred in patients with traumatic foot amputation since conventional Syme’s amputation can not be performed in heel injuries.