Tips of the trade #25. Easy passage of cerclage wires during wire breakage.
Cerclage wiring is an invaluable adjunct to plating in the stabilization of long bone fractures. However, breakage of the wire can occur following fatigue failure during overzealous tightening. The following technique will aid the surgeon in the rapid reapplication of a new wire.
Tedder
J L
JL
Division of Orthopaedic Surgery, Bronx-Lebanon Hospital, New York.
Insler
H P
HP
D001864:Bone Wires; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009984:Orthopedic Fixation Devices