Summary
Purpose
To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a new double fixation technique for displaced
patellar fractures using bioabsorbable cannulated lag screws and braided polyester
suture tension bands.
Methods
Fifteen patients (mean age of 46.2 years) with displaced transverse or comminuted
patella fractures were enrolled in this prospective study. All of the patients were
treated via the open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) procedure using bioabsorbable
cannulated lag screws and braided polyester suture tension bands. The patients were
followed post-surgery to evaluate (1) the time required for radiographic bone union,
(2) the knee joint range of motion at the time of radiographic bone union, (3) the
degree of pain assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS), (4) the function of
the knee using the Lysholm score and (5) the presence of any additional complications
from the surgery.
Results
All of the patients were followed post-treatment for more than 1 year (range, 12–19
months; mean post-treatment follow up time, 14 months). The bone union of the fractures
as seen radiographically occurred approximately 3 months from surgery in all cases
without implant failure or redisplacement of the fractured site. The mean knee joint
range of motion was from 0 to 134.6°, and the mean VAS score was 0.7 at the time of
bone union. The mean Lysholm scores at the time of bone union and 12 months post-surgery
were 86.7 and 95.7, respectively. No postoperative complications, such as infection,
dislocation or breakage of the implants, were observed. Moreover, all of the patients
returned to their previous activity level.
Conclusion
This new double fixation technique using bioabsorbable cannulated lag screws and braided
polyester suture tension bands resulted in satisfactory outcomes for patella fractures
without any obvious complications.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
January 24,
2011
Received in revised form:
January 5,
2011
Received:
July 22,
2010
Footnotes
☆This research was supported by Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, West China Hospital, Si Chuan University. Research was performed at Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, West China Hospital, Si Chuan University.
Identification
Copyright
© 2011 Elsevier Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
