Fixation of Trochanteric Fragments in Cementless Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty of Unstable Intertrochanteric Fracture: Cerclage Wiring / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: Bipolar hemiarthroplasty (HA) is an option for the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fracture in elderly patients. There is a raising concern regarding cable-grip related complications for the fixation of trochanteric fragments. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate outcome of cementless HA with fixation for the trochanteric fragments using monofilament wires in unstable intertrochanteric fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 92 cementless bipolar HAs using a grit-blasted long stem design for unstable intertrochanteric fractures in 91 elderly patients with a mean age of 81.7 years. During the arthroplasty, trochanteric fracture fragments were fixed using 1 or 2 vertical wires and transverse wires. We evaluated the clinical outcomes such as abductor power, ambulatory ability and wire-related complications, and radiologic outcomes including the union of the trochanteric fragment and subsidence of stem. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients were followed for a minimum of 2 years (mean, 59 months) postoperatively. The mean abductor power and Koval category was 4.1 (range, 3 to 5) and 4.6 (range, 1 to 6). The wire was broken in 3 hips (4.8%) and the nonunion of the greater trochanter occurred in 1 hips (1.6%). Two stems subsided by 3 mm and 8 mm, respectively, during postoperative 6 weeks, after which the subsidence was not progressive. CONCLUSION: Cerclage wiring of the trochanter using monofilament wire leads to acceptable outcome in cementless HA for senile patients with unstable intertrochanteric fracture. Cerclage wiring using a monofilament wire is recommended for the fixation of trochanteric fragments.

Strength of Surgical Wire by Different Wiring Technique / 대한정형외과학회잡지

The role of surgical wire in the bone and joint surgery is very important. To get a maximum effect of the surgical wiring, the orthopaedic surgeon should not only select appropriate wire diameter but also apply adequate wiring technique. When strong fixation is required, wire loops are frequently untrustworthy. These are due to insufficient caliber or inadequate technique of wire thightening and/or twisting. The theoretical background for effective wiring technique and useful diameter in cerclage wiring is poor. Ultimate stress and stress at breaking point of different diameter of the wire was higher in 16G than 18G or 21G. Twist knot was stronger than knot twist. Wire holder was more effect than tensioner(york). Tension tightening with twist knot by wire holder have been found most suitable for internal fixation by surgical wire.