title: New tension band material for fixation of transverse olecranon fractures: a biomechanical study.
abstract: This study tested the use of braided polyethylene cable as an option for repairing transverse olecranon fractures. Six cadaveric elbows underwent a transverse olecranon osteotomy followed by fixation with tension band constructs using 18-gauge wire and Secure-Strand (U.S. Surgical, North Haven, Conn). Distraction forces up to 450 N were applied to the triceps tendon while measuring fracture displacement with an extensometer. The average maximal fracture gap with the standard AO tension band technique using stainless steel wire was 0.66 +/- 0.43 mm, as opposed to 0.68 +/- 0.45 mm with braided polyethylene cable. A paired t test indicated no significant difference between the two materials. These results support the feasibility of braided polyethylene cable as an alternative to the standard steel-wire tension band.
authors.affiliation: Bioengineering Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
authors.forename: James Allen
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Lalonde
authors.forename: R David
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Rabalais
authors.forename: Alfred
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mansour
authors.forename: Evalina L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Burger
authors.forename: Barry L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Riemer
authors.forename: Yun
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Lu
authors.forename: Richard V
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Baratta
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002102:Cadaver; D004550:Elbow; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D020959:Polyethylene / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014458:Ulna Fractures / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D020959:Polyethylene