Treatment of Patellar Fracture by percutaneous tension band wiring and open tension band wiring techniques

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: By comparing the results of the percutaneous tension band wiring with those of the open tension band wiring for the treatment of patellar fracture, we tried to sh6w the practical use of the percutaneous tension band wiring. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed radiological and clinical results of 10 cases of isolated patellar fractures treated with the percutaneous tension band wiring and 10 cases of isolated patellar fractures treated with the open tensian band wiring. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the percutaneous tension band wiring and open tension band wiring on operation time, knee score and function score, but the percutaneous tension band wiring showed more rapid on bony union. Two cases treated with the open tension band wiring showed limitation of motion of the knee joint, and one case treated with the open tension band wiring showed patellar elongation. CONCLUSION: Comparing with the open tension band wiring, the percutaneous tension band wiring can be done without wide skin incision and can give patients more satisfaction. We concluded that the percu-taneus tension band wiring is a good method and can replace the conventional open tension band wiring.