Patella Fracture Fixation Technique with Suture Anchors

Patella fracture can occur due to direct injury to the knee or indirect eccentric contraction of the quadriceps tendon. These injuries can present in different configurations which require acceptable reduction and good fixation. Patients are at risk of not only losing their knee extensor mechanism but also having a defective patellofemoral articulation. Hence, the main aim in treating such fractures is to restore the knee extensor mechanism. Surgical options for treating patella fracture include tension band wiring, wiring through cannulated screws, fixation with plate, and suture anchor (SA) fixation.

We demonstrate a new fixation technique for patella fracture with SAs in two of our patients. They presented with patella fracture following a fall and sustained closed injury with intact distal neurovascular status. The authors describe their technique using double-loaded SAs to obtain anatomical reduction and solid fixation. With three SAs, each inserted in a third portion of a distal fragment.

There are several modalities and techniques available for fixation of patella fracture. However, authors recommend that their described novel technique can provide more strength and satisfactory outcome. Furthermore, this technique uses a smaller incision compared to conventional suture tunnel repair as in this technique only the fracture that needs to be exposed distally.