title: Comparison of biodegradable and metallic tension-band fixation for patella fractures. 38 patients followed for 2 years.
abstract: We compared the outcome of patella fractures fixed by biodegradable tension-band (B) with self-reinforced polyglycolide or self-reinforced poly-L-lactide plugs and polyester ligaments or by metallic tension-band (M) with Kirschner wires and metallic cerclage wire in a randomized study. 38 fractures (18 with B and 20 with M) were treated. The follow-up time was 24 (14-32) months. The fractures healed in all patients after a medium of 8 weeks. In the B group, the clinical outcome was good in 13, fair in 4, and poor in 1 patient. In the M group, the corresponding figures were 15, 3 and 2. There were no clinical or radiographic differences between the two methods. Patella fractures can be treated, successfully using biodegradable tension-band fixation with no need for a second operation to remove the implants after bone union.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hou
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Bao
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Guo
mesh_terms: D000042:Absorption; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001673:Biodegradation, Environmental; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008670:Metals; D010329:Patella / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D011091:Polyesters / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D008670:Metals; D011091:Polyesters; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; C033616:poly(lactide)