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Published in: International Orthopaedics 2/2019

01-02-2019 | Original Paper

A comparative biomechanical study on different fixation techniques in the management of transverse metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction fractures of the distal humerus in children

Authors: Allieu Kamara, Xianglu Ji, Tianjing Liu, Yu Zhan, Jianjun Li, Enbo Wang

Published in: International Orthopaedics | Issue 2/2019

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Abstract

Background

Metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction (MDJ) fractures of the distal humerus are problematic to reduce and more susceptible to post-operative complications. This biomechanical study was designed to compare Kirschner wires (KW), lateral external fixation, and elastic stable intramedullary nails (ESIN) in simulated transverse MDJ fractures of various heights.

Method

Sagittally oblique, transverse MDJ fractures were created in fourth-generation composite bone models at three levels: high, mid, and low fractures, respectively, and then fixed with either Kirschner wires, lateral external fixation (EF), or ESIN respectively and tested in extension, flexion, valgus, varus, internal, and external rotations.

Results

In the high fractures, ESIN had better overall stiffness than the other techniques. In the mid groups, three crossed pinning (1-medial and 2-lateral pins) had the best overall stiffness, followed by two crossed pinning (1-medial and 1-lateral pins). In the low fractures, three crossed pinning was superior to all other techniques. Two crossed pinning and three -lateral pinning techniques yielded comparable stiffness in the low fracture model.

Conclusions

From a biomechanical perspective, ESIN provides the best overall stability for fractures located in the upper region of the MDJ, while percutaneous pinning is superior in stabilizing fractures of the lower region. Two lateral and one medial pins make the most stable crossed pinning construct for these fractures.
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Metadata
Title
A comparative biomechanical study on different fixation techniques in the management of transverse metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction fractures of the distal humerus in children
Authors
Allieu Kamara
Xianglu Ji
Tianjing Liu
Yu Zhan
Jianjun Li
Enbo Wang
Publication date
01-02-2019
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
International Orthopaedics / Issue 2/2019
Print ISSN: 0341-2695
Electronic ISSN: 1432-5195
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-018-3968-x

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