Comparison of cannulated screws with FiberWire or stainless steel wire for patella fracture fixation: A pilot study

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.