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Tensioning Ligament and Tendon Repairs to Bone Using a Modified Screw-post Technique. Tech Hand Up Extrem Surg 2020 Sep;24(3):135-141

Date

03/03/2020

Pubmed ID

32118868

DOI

10.1097/BTH.0000000000000283

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85081632053 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate how to tension tendon and ligament repairs or reconstructions to bone by using an oblique screw-post. A controlled experiment simulating this repair technique is reported, followed by 5 case examples.

METHODS: A wood frame model was used to test 5 initial exposed screw lengths (4, 8, 12, 16, 20 mm) and 5 screw angles [90 (perpendicular to wood plane), 75, 60, 45, 30 degrees]. A spring-based force gauge was tied to the exposed 3.5 mm cortical screw with a washer using a #2 nonabsorbable braided suture, and the screw was fully advanced. System lengths were measured before and after advancement using digital calipers. Screw angles were measured with a protractor. Analysis of variance with post hoc paired t tests was performed to compare changes in system length with different initial exposed screw length and screw angle.

RESULTS: Greater changes in system length was achieved with decreasing screw angle and increasing initial exposed length (P<0.05). A maximum change in system length of 12.4 mm (SD=0.4 mm) was achieved with a 45-degree screw with 20 mm initial exposed length (P<0.05). Five case examples where a screw-post was used to repair tendons and ligaments in the upper extremity are described.

CONCLUSIONS: An oblique screw-post can advance a tendon or ligament repair to bone. This can result in increased tension of the repaired structure, potentially providing a better repair or greater joint stability.

Author List

Gordon AM, Welder E, LoGiudice T, Goyal KS

Author

Anthony J. LoGiudice MD Assistant Professor in the Orthopaedic Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Bone Screws
Bone and Bones
Humans
Ligaments, Articular
Models, Biological
Sutures
Tendon Injuries