Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc
Comparison of three fixation methods in transverse fractures of the patella in a calf model
Abstract
Objectives: We evaluated the strength of three different fixation methods against distraction forces in a transverse fracture model of calf patellae.
Methods: Thirty calf patellae were randomly divided into three groups equal in number. Transverse fractures were induced at the same localization in all the samples. The fractures were fixed with a modified anterior tension band technique, Acutrak 4/5 screws, and a combination of Acutrak 4/5 screws and tension band technique in three groups, respectively. Following fixation, each patella was mounted in a compression-distraction testing machine from the quadriceps and patellar tendons on each side of the patella, and equal distraction forces were applied to each patella. The average load to failure at the fracture site was calculated and the results were compared with the Friedman test.
Results: The mean failure loads were significantly different in three groups, being 288.8±40.1 newton (N), 878.5±68.6 N, and 938.6±38.8 N, respectively (p
Methods: Thirty calf patellae were randomly divided into three groups equal in number. Transverse fractures were induced at the same localization in all the samples. The fractures were fixed with a modified anterior tension band technique, Acutrak 4/5 screws, and a combination of Acutrak 4/5 screws and tension band technique in three groups, respectively. Following fixation, each patella was mounted in a compression-distraction testing machine from the quadriceps and patellar tendons on each side of the patella, and equal distraction forces were applied to each patella. The average load to failure at the fracture site was calculated and the results were compared with the Friedman test.
Results: The mean failure loads were significantly different in three groups, being 288.8±40.1 newton (N), 878.5±68.6 N, and 938.6±38.8 N, respectively (p