title: Adjustable patella grapple versus cannulated screw and cable technique for treatment of transverse patellar fractures.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although the cannulated screw and cable (CSC) tension band technique is an effective method for fixation of transverse patellar fractures, it has shortcomings, such as extensive soft tissue damage, osseous substance damage, and complex manipulation. We conducted a retrospective comparison of the adjustable patella grapple (APG) technique and the CSC tension band technique.
  
  
  METHODS
  We retrospectively reviewed 78 patients with transverse patellar fractures (45 in the APG group and 33 in the CSC group). Follow-up was 18 months. Comparison criteria were operation time, fracture reduction, fracture healing time, the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score for knee function, and complications.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The APG group showed shorter operation time and equal fracture reduction, fracture healing time, and knee function compared with the CSC group. Eleven patients in the APG group experienced skin irritation generated by implants. There was no complication in the CSC group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The APG technique should be considered as an alternative method for treatment of transverse patellar fractures.
authors.affiliation: Orthopedic Department, Shanghai 10th People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, 301 Middle Yanchang Road, Shanghai, China.
authors.forename: Ning
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Yan
authors.affiliation: Orthopedic Department, Yangpu Hospital of Tongji University, 450 Tengyue Road, Shanghai, China.
authors.forename: Anli
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.affiliation: Orthopedic Department, Yangpu Hospital of Tongji University, 450 Tengyue Road, Shanghai, China. Electronic address: itslxd@163.com.
authors.forename: Xiaodong
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Orthopedic Department, Yangpu Hospital of Tongji University, 450 Tengyue Road, Shanghai, China.
authors.forename: Feng
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Cai
authors.affiliation: Orthopedic Department, Yangpu Hospital of Tongji University, 450 Tengyue Road, Shanghai, China.
authors.forename: Liang
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Orthopedic Department, Yangpu Hospital of Tongji University, 450 Tengyue Road, Shanghai, China.
authors.forename: Shimin
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001863:Bone Screws; D001864:Bone Wires; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D061646:Operative Time; D010329:Patella / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome