Wire Fixation Technique for Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy

Principal Investigator: Kenton R. Kaufman, Ph.D.

Figure 1: Stiffness of the fixations.

Tibial tubercle osteotomy has many advantages and results in excellent exposure especially in the stiff knee. Optimal fixation of the osteotomy remains controversial. This study compared the static fixation strength of 3 vs. 2 cerclage wires in 14 fresh frozen human knees. Peak force, displacement at peak force, stiffness and energy were calculated. This study showed that 2 wires fixation is stiffer than 3 wires (Fig. 1). Two surrounding cerclage wires for tibial tubercle osteotomy is a reliable construct fixation. The maximal force was compared with the force during different activities. Full weight bearing, straight leg raising and open kinetic chain exercises, should be the main rehabilitation program until the bone heals.