title: Arthroscopic-assisted surgical technique for treating patella fractures.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to describe and report preliminary results of an arthroscopic-assisted surgical technique for the treatment of displaced transverse patella fractures with percutaneous internal fixation. We applied this technique in 5 patients who presented a displaced transverse patella fracture and were followed-up for an average of 18 months. Under an image-intensifier fluoroscope, the fracture was closely reduced with a percutaneously reduction clamp while the congruence of the articular surface was monitored arthroscopically. Two Kirschner wires were inserted perpendicular to the fracture line followed by 2 cannulated lag screws obtaining interfragmentary compression. By using a cannulated guide, 2 wires were threaded through both cannulated screws and percutaneously were crossed over the top of the patella creating a figure-8 pattern tension band. At final follow-up, radiographic consolidation was achieved in all patients obtaining full range of motion and returning to the activity level previous to the fracture. Arthroscopic internal fixation is a valid alternative for the treatment of intra-articular displaced and noncomminuted patella fractures. This technique allows healing of the fracture with low patient morbidity, a short hospitalization period, and an accelerated rehabilitation of the affected knee.
authors.affiliation: Department of Arthroscopic Surgery, Italian Hospital of Buenos Aires, Argentina. vgaiteiro@hitalba.edu.ar
authors.forename: Arturo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Makino
authors.forename: Luis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Aponte-Tinao
authors.forename: D Luis
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Muscolo
authors.forename: Miguel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Puigdevall
authors.forename: Matias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Costa-Paz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001182:Arthroscopy; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010329:Patella / Q000293:injuries*