Clinical Efficiency after Fixation with Cable in Patellar Fracture

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical results of cable fixation in patellar fractures followed by early ROM exercise and early weight bearing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 46 patients who had operation for transverse or comminuted patellar fractures with cable fixation from April 1995 to January 2003. Mean term of follow up was 15 months (range, 15~24 months). We reviewed the clinical and radiologic bony unions, ROM, time of weight bearings retrospectively. All cases were fixed with Dall-Miles' cable, and additional fixation was done with K-wires in 25 cases and with screws in 11 cases. At next day after surgery, all patients started CPM, except 3 cases who had severly comminuted fractures. Full weight bearing was started 2-3 days after surgery with LMB in full extended state. RESULTS: We gained bony union in all cases, Average ROM was 115 degree(80-130 degree) at postoperative 2nd week, all patients showed more than 130 degree at 8th week and final results showed normal ROM compared with opposite knee. During follow up, K-wires were migrated in 2 cases, but there was no difference in ROM or bony union compared with other patients. CONCLUSION: Fixations using Dall-Miles' cable for transverse or comminuted patellar fractures are considered to be enough stable for early ROM exercise and early weight bearing without major complications.