Biomechanical comparison of metal wire and FiberWire as tension band techniques: an ex vivo study

Background: The pin and tension band wire (PTBW) technique is used to convert the tensile force at the olecranon fracture site. Although metal wire can be used for the tension band technique, it has side effects such as skin irritation or infection. Other fixation materials like a high-strength polyester and polyethylene suture that do not cause skin irritation and pain, provide similar mechanical strength. Aims: The aim of this study was to compare olecranon fragment stability by applying tension bands using metal wire and FiberWire of identical tensile strength. Methods: This study was designed as ex vivo biomechanical test on canine cadaveric elbows. We biomechanically analyzed the following two fixation methods in cadaveric elbows with olecranon osteotomies: (1) Kirschner (K) wire with 0.76 mm metal wire tension band, (2) K-wires with No. 2 FiberWire tension band. A tensile testing machine was used to measure displacement. Results: It was measured that the mean maximum load (MML) value and mean yield load (MYL) were higher using No. 2 FiberWire as a tension band than 0.76 mm metal wire. Conclusion: Biomechanical strength of No. 2 FiberWire was significantly different from 0.76 mm metal wire in a canine model of olecranon osteotomy. So, FiberWire is applicable instead of metal wire that has a similar strength.