Abstract
PURPOSE: This pilot study tested whether FiberWire provides similar protection to steel wire against repair displacement in patella fractures. METHODS: Thirteen cadaver knees were cyclically loaded with 10 cycles (0-90° flexion) and fracture displacement was recorded. Fixation methods were also tested in load to failure (>3 mm displacement). RESULTS: There was no difference between wire types in fracture displacement (1.4 mm ± 0.33 mm vs 1.2 mm ± 0.34 mm, respectively; p = 0.418) or in the load to failure (714.7 N ± 110.9 N vs 744.5 N ± 92.8 N, respectively; p = 0.360). CONCLUSION: FiberWire provides similar protection to steel wire against repair displacement after fixation of patellar fractures.