FiberWire tension band for patellar fractures

Symptomatic hardware represents the most frequent complication reported following surgical treatment of patellar fracture. For this reason, some authors suggested using nonabsorbable sutures to fix the fracture with various techniques. The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiological results of patients treated following a modified Pyriford technique using a FiberWire suture (Arthrex, Naples, FL, USA).

We retrospectively evaluated a case series of seventeen patients with displaced patellar fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation with a modified tension band using FiberWire sutures. Clinical and radiological outcome were evaluated. Union time, complications, and reoperation rate were observed and recorded.

All fractures healed (time to union 9.2 ± 2 weeks), and no fixation failure was observed. Slight losses of reduction (<4 mm) were noted in two patients at 4 weeks postoperatively. The average Lysholm and Bostman scores at the final follow-up were 91 ± 5.7 (range 83-100) and 28.3 ± 1.6 (range 26-30), respectively.

Modified tension band using FiberWire sutures showed satisfactory clinical results, with a low incidence of complications and reoperations. FiberWire tension bands could be used in place of metal-wire tension bands to treat patellar fracture, reducing the rate of symptomatic hardware.

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