Minimally invasive technique of tension band wiring in patella fractures

Abstract

Introduction: Patellar fractures constitute 1% of all skeletal fractures. Traditionally they are operated by open technique. In today’s world of minimally invasive surgery, doing open technique of wiring seems less justified for this percutaneously palpable bone fracture particularly in transverse fractures. Hence, we developed a technique of percutaneous fixation of transverse displaced patella fracture not described yet using parallel K wires and tension band wiring principle and carried out a study to analyze its results Methods: Prospective study was carried out at Mimer Medical College. 20 males and 12 females with transverse fractures of the patella were selected for operation with minimally invasive technique of tension band wiring. Patients were evaluated for range of motion, pain, operating time and complications at four months post operation. Results: 32 patients underwent tension band wiring successfully. Radiological time for union was 10.2+/- 1.8 weeks also had nearly full range of motion. Average operating time was only 40.5 minutes. No patient developed infection and there was no wire breakage and irritation. VAS scores were good and power of quadriceps was also good. Conclusion: Minimally invasive technique of tension band wiring in patella fractures gives encouraging results.