Comparison of Tension-Band Wiring With the Cable Pin System in Patella Fractures: A Randomized Prospective Study.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the outcome of tension-band wiring (TBW) with the cable pin system (CPS) for transverse fractures of the patella.


METHODS
Randomized prospective study.


METHODS
Academic Level I trauma center.


METHODS
From February 2008 to December 2011, 73 consecutive patients with transverse fractures of the patella were prospectively enrolled in this study.


METHODS
The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups: one group was treated using the CPS, and the other group was treated using the modified TBW.


METHODS
The clinical outcome assessment included analyses of the radiographic images, the modified Hospital for Special Surgery scoring system, and complications.


RESULTS
The follow-up time ranged from 12 to 29 months. All fractures healed, with a union rate of 100%. The fracture healing time was significantly shorter in the CPS group (8.51 ± 2.59 weeks, n = 34) compared with the TBW group (11.79 ± 3.04 weeks, n = 39). Postoperative complications in the CPS and TBW groups were observed in 1 and 9 patients, respectively, a difference that was statistically significant. The mean Hospital for Special Surgery score for the CPS group (90.53 ± 5.19 points) was significantly higher than that for the TBW group (81.36 ± 12.71 points).


CONCLUSIONS
The CPS is a viable option for transverse fractures of the patella and is associated with a shorter healing time, fewer complications, and better function than TBW.


METHODS
Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Department of Orthopaedics, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
Qing-xian
QX
Tian
Yong
Y
Hai
Xin-ru
XR
Du
Zi-yu
ZY
Xu
Tie
T
Lu
Lei
L
Shan
Yang
Y
Liu
Jun-lin
JL
Zhou
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001858:Bone Nails; D001864:Bone Wires; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D017102:Fracture Healing; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010329:Patella / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D016896:Treatment Outcome