Patella Fracture Fixation Technique with Suture Anchors

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Traumatology
• Biomedical engineering

Background:

• Patella fractures result from direct trauma or quadriceps contraction, risking knee extensor mechanism and patellofemoral joint function.
• Effective treatment requires anatomical reduction and stable fixation to restore knee function.
• Current surgical options include tension band wiring, screw fixation, plating, and suture anchor (SA) fixation.

Observation:

• A novel technique using double-loaded suture anchors (SAs) for patella fracture fixation was applied to two patients.
• Patients presented with closed patella fractures after falls, with preserved distal neurovascular status.
• The technique involved inserting three SAs into the distal fragment for anatomical reduction and fixation.

Findings:

• The described SA technique achieved anatomical reduction and solid fixation in the treated patella fractures.
• This novel method potentially offers greater strength and improved outcomes compared to existing techniques.
• The procedure utilizes a smaller incision, exposing only the distal fracture site.

Implications:

• Suture anchor fixation presents a promising alternative for managing patella fractures.
• This technique may lead to better functional recovery and reduced morbidity.
• Further studies are warranted to validate the long-term efficacy and broader applicability of SA fixation for patella fractures.