title: Patellar tension band wiring: a revised technique.
abstract: Using a modified AO tension band wiring technique to treat a patellar fracture has become popular and has achieved a high success rate. However, the technique of Kirschner wire insertion has not been considered in detail, which may migrate and consequently introduce fragments loss of reduction. A revised technique involving bending both ends of the Kirschner wires was prospectively studied. Sixty-eight consecutive patients were so treated, and 62 patients were followed-up for at least 2 years (range 2-6 years). All fractures healed with a union rate of 100% (62/62) and a union period of 2.5 +/- 0.5 months. Skin irritation was noted in 2 patients (3%). All patients achieved a satisfactory result. We therefore recommend this revised technique to treat all patellar fractures because of its high union rate and low complication rate.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan. ccwu@mail.cgu.edu.tw
authors.forename: C C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Tai
authors.forename: W J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Chen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001864:Bone Wires / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010329:Patella / Q000293:injuries*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D016896:Treatment Outcome