Biomechanical evaluation of different fixation methods for tibial eminence fractures.
BACKGROUND
Tibial eminence fractures have become more common, but the best method of fixing these fractures arthroscopically has not been elucidated.


OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study is to assess the stability of different fixation methods for tibial eminence fractures.


METHODS
Controlled laboratory study.


METHODS
The authors evaluated the initial fixation strength of 4 different fixation techniques for tibial eminence fractures (2 screws, 1 screw, suture fixation with 1 mm Ethibond, and suture fixation with No. 5 FiberWire) using single cycle and cyclic loading tests. The tests were performed by loading the knee with an anterior tibial shear force.


RESULTS
Suture cerclage with the FiberWire showed significantly higher maximum load (599.6 N) and stiffness (36.99 N/mm) than all other fixation methods tested. The lowest maximum load in the single cycle loading test was observed in the group with 2 screws (1 screw, 371.2 N; 2 screws, 249.8 N). The lowest stiffness was found in the Ethibond group (14.5 N/mm). After 1000 cycles of loading, the maximum load of the FiberWire fixation was significantly higher than the maximum load of the Ethibond fixation (399.4 N), the fixation with 1 screw (354.2 N), and the fixation with 2 screws (301.5 N).


CONCLUSIONS
These biomechanical data suggest that under cyclic loading conditions, suture fixation of tibial eminence fractures provides more fixation strength than screw fixation.


CONCLUSIONS
A second screw has no positive effect on the biomechanical characteristics of screw fixation.
Eggers
Anne Kathleen
AK
Department of Trauma, Hand, and Reconstructive Surgery, Wilhelms University Münster, Waldeyerstr. 1, D-48149 Münster, Germany.
Becker
Christoph
C
Weimann
Andre
A
Herbort
Mirco
M
Zantop
Thore
T
Raschke
Michael J
MJ
Petersen
Wolf
W
D000818:Animals; D016118:Anterior Cruciate Ligament; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D005858:Germany; D016268:Internal Fixators; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000379:methods; D013552:Swine; D013978:Tibial Fractures / Q000601:surgery*