Reconstruction of patella fractures with the tension band technique: A review on clinical results and tips and tricks.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: The goals of surgical treatment of patellar fractures are a biomechanically stable joint and congruent restoration of the retro patellar joint surface. Surgical treatment strategies for patellar fractures have evolved from tension band in combination with wire cerclages to new devices. METHODS: The modified anterior tension band (MATB) technique for fixation of patellar fractures consists of two longitudinal 1.8 mm Kirschner wires (K-wires) and an 18-gauge stainless steel wire looped in a figure-of-8 pattern over the anterior aspect of the patella. The K-wires should be inserted 5 mm from the anterior cortical surface of the patella, parallel in the coronal and sagittal planes. For mechanical reasons, the wire should be the closest to the anterior aspect of the bone. This construct converts the anterior tensile forces generated by the extensor mechanism and knee flexion into compressive forces on the anterior aspect of the fracture site. The MATB is the most widely accepted method of internal fixation for transverse and comminuted patellar fractures. Only a careful implementation of the MATB in all its phases will provide the best mechanical construct and the least aggressive construct for the soft tissues, allowing early re-education without complications. RESULTS: Good to excellent clinical results (64-100 %) have been reported with MATB for fixation of patellar fractures. Good to excellent range of knee motion and satisfactory results have been reported despite a high percentage (up to 60 %) of secondary procedures, mainly for removal of symptomatic hardware. CONCLUSION: This article provides an overview of the use and results of the MATB technique for patellar fractures and the means to improve results with this technique.