Comparison of Tension-Band Wiring With the Cable Pin System in Patella Fractures: A Randomized Prospective Study

To compare the outcome of tension-band wiring (TBW) with the cable pin system (CPS) for transverse fractures of the patella.

Randomized prospective study.

Academic Level I trauma center.

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

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.

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

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).

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.

Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.