J Korean Fract Soc.  2005 Jan;18(1):48-53. 10.12671/jkfs.2005.18.1.48.

Modified Tension Band Technique With Looped Pin

• Lee EW
• Lee HJ
• Kim TH

• KMID: 2184018
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2005.18.1.48

Abstract

PURPOSE: Fixation of fracture using modified tension band is a very useful treatment method, but loss of fixation caused by loosening of K-wires still remain problem. So we have studied the usefulness of modified tension band with looped pin in order to prevent loss of internal fixation.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
From September 1999 to June 2002, we had treated 40 patients with this technique, including 16 patella, 8 olecranon, 8 distal clavicle fractures in which three were nonunion fractures, 5 ankle fractures and 3 acromioclavicular joint separations. We looped the pin which has been used for ring external fixator, in line with its long axis.
RESULTS
After mean postoperative follow-up of 20 months, there were no loosening of looped pin in all cases and we obtained satisfactory results of functional evaluation. There were no complications of nonunion or metallic irritation.
CONCLUSION
We concluded that modified tension band with looped pin could prevent displacement of internal fixation, and reduce the subsequent complications. Especially in elbow and shoulder joint that the displacement of fixation pin occured frequently, It was considered as very useful operative technique.

Keyword

Modified tension band technique; Looped pin

MeSH Terms

Acromioclavicular Joint
Ankle Fractures
Axis, Cervical Vertebra
Clavicle
Elbow
External Fixators
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Olecranon Process
Patella
Shoulder Joint