Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Ruptures Of The Quadriceps And Patellar Tendons Of The Extensor Mechanism: A Review, Judd R. Fitzgerald

UNM Orthopaedic Research Journal

Damage to the quadriceps and patellar tendons of the extensor mechanism can be devastating and often life-changing injuries that require prompt diagnosis and treatment. A sound understanding of anatomy, biomechanics, and degenerative changes of both tendons and the extensor mechanism of the knee can help guide surgical repair and postoperative rehabilitation of patients. Immediate primary repair has often resulted in improved postoperative results compared with delayed reconstruction, and the avoidance of gap formation by use of careful techniques and augmentation has been critical for successful treatment. Additionally, patients with extensor mechanism injuries frequently have medical comorbidities or notable tendon degeneration; …

Investigating Potential Role Of Surgeons In Sternal Wire Failure By Biomechanical Tests, Christina Salas, Rachel N. Tufaro, C Etta Tabe, Kwasi Addae-Mensah, W Daniel Tanberg, Christopher Buksa, Jessica A. Avila, Jorge A. Wernly

UNM Orthopaedic Research Journal

Background: Stainless steel wires are commonly used to close the sternum after cardiac-related operative procedures. However, complications have been reported associated with fracture of wires and subsequent migration into the chest cavity. The objective of this study was to biomechanically evaluate the role of surgeons in contributing to wire failure. We hypothesized that surgeons may impose damage to the sternal wire, which may be exacerbated by postoperative wire degradation and patient movement.

Methods: A biomimetic sternal model and custom test fixture simulated a median sternotomy. The sternum was closed by a fellowship-trained cardiothoracic surgeon using figure-of-eight and simple closure techniques. …