Treatment of Displaced Transverse Patellar Fractures with Cannulated Screws and Figure-Eight Wiring

PURPOSE: To evaluate the radiographic and clinical results of displaced transverse patellar fractures using a tensioned anterior figure-eight wire placed through two cannulated screws MATERIALS AND METHODS: 9 patients with displaced transverse patellar fractures treated with cannulated screws and figure-eight wiring were analyzed retrospectively. The mean age was 53 years (range, 22 to 68 years). Controlled passive range of motion exercise were started on the first postoperative day. Full weight bearing was allowed as tolerated. The patients were evaluated with radiographs, clinical examination and Levack's scoring system. RESULTS: All fractures healed and mean time elapsed for union was 9.4 weeks (range, 8 to 12 weeks). All patients regained full knee range of motion. Clinical results according to the Levack's scoring system were excellent in 8 cases and good in 1 case. We found no complications like loss of reduction and soft tissue irritation caused by the wire and screw, loosening or migration of hardware. CONCLUSION: Anterior figure-eight wiring through paired cannulated screws is appropriate for transverse patellar fractures, is possible early knee motion exercise and weight bearing.

Cannulated Screw Fixation with Figure-Eight Wiring of Displaced Transverse Patella Fractures / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical results of displaced transverse patella fractures which were treated with figure-eight wiring by means of parallel cannulated screws. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients who had displaced non-comminuted transverse patella fractures were seen between August 1998 to March 2000 and then followed up for more than one year, were prospectively evaluated with regard to their clinical and radiologic results. RESULTS: Clinical union occurred at an average of eight weeks and radiologic union at twelve weeks. Clinical results were evaluated at six months and one year postoperatively. The flexion contracture was 3.3degrees, the further flexion was 127.6degrees At six months the flexion contracture was 2degrees, and the further flexion was 135degrees at one year. Functional results according to the Wilkinson classification system were excellent in 8 cases, good in 2 cases at six months excellent in 9 cases, and good in 1 case at twelve months. There was no soft tissue irritation caused by the wire and screw, loosening or an implant migration. CONCLUSION: Cannulated screw fixation and figure-eight wiring is one of the useful methods for the repair of displaced transverse patella fractures.