Patellar tension band wiring: a revised technique

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.