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Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research®

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Open Access 01-12-2011 | Clinical Research

Cannulated Screw and Cable are Superior to Modified Tension Band in the Treatment of Transverse Patella Fractures

Authors: Yun Tian, MD, Fang Zhou, MD, Hongquan Ji, MD, Zhishan Zhang, MD, Yan Guo, MD

Published in: Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research® | Issue 12/2011

Abstract

Background

Although the modified tension band technique (eg, tension band supplemented by longitudinal Kirschner wires) has long been the mainstay for fixation of transverse fractures of the patella, it has shortcomings, such as bad reduction, loosening of implants, and skin irritation.

Questions/purposes

We conducted a retrospective comparison of the modified tension band technique and the titanium cable-cannulated screw tension band technique.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 101 patients aged 22 to 85 years (mean, 56.6 years) with AO/OTA 34-C1 fractures (n = 68) and 34-C2 fractures (n = 33). Fifty-two patients were in the modified tension band group and 49 were in the titanium cable-cannulated screw tension band group. Followup was at least 1 year (range, 1–3 years). Comparison criteria were fracture reduction, fracture healing time, and the Iowa score for knee function.

Results

The titanium cable-cannulated screw tension band group showed improved fracture reduction, reduced healing time, and better Iowa score, compared with the modified tension band group. In the modified tension band group, eight patients experienced wire migration, three of these requiring a second operation. There were no complications in the titanium cable-cannulated screw tension band group.

Conclusions

The titanium cable-cannulated screw tension band technique showed superior results and should be considered as an alternative method for treatment of transverse patellar fractures.

Level of Evidence

Level III, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

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Title: Cannulated Screw and Cable are Superior to Modified Tension Band in the Treatment of Transverse Patella Fractures
Authors: Yun Tian, MD
Fang Zhou, MD
Hongquan Ji, MD
Zhishan Zhang, MD
Yan Guo, MD
Publication date: 01-12-2011
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research® / Issue 12/2011
Print ISSN: 0009-921X
Electronic ISSN: 1528-1132
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11999-011-1913-z

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Cannulated Screw and Cable are Superior to Modified Tension Band in the Treatment of Transverse Patella Fractures

Abstract

Background

Questions/purposes

Patients and Methods

Results

Conclusions

Level of Evidence

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Questions/purposes

Patients and Methods

Results

Conclusions

Level of Evidence

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