Radiographic and Functional Outcomes Following Resorbable Screw-Augmented Suture Fixation vs. All-Suture Fixation of...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Trauma surgery
• Biomaterials science

Background:

• Traditional metal tension band constructs for mid-pole patellar fractures are associated with high rates of implant-related complications.
• Alternative fixation methods are needed to improve patient outcomes and reduce revision surgeries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare radiographic and functional outcomes of all-suture fixation versus bioabsorbable screw-augmented suture fixation for mid-pole patellar fractures.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of non-metal fixation techniques in treating patellar fractures.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study of 18 patients with mid-pole patellar fractures.
• Two groups: all-suture fixation (n=9) and bioabsorbable screw-augmented suture fixation (n=9).
• Evaluation of radiographic union, time to union, range of motion (ROM), and complications over a minimum one-year follow-up.

Main Results:

• All cases achieved radiographic union by 15 weeks, except one in the hybrid group.
• Average time to union was comparable between groups (p=0.30).
• 22.2% of cases in each cohort experienced fracture gap widening (>2 mm); most achieved union without revision. One hybrid case had fibrous non-union and displacement; another had screw breakage, both managed non-operatively.

Conclusions:

• Both all-suture and bioabsorbable screw-augmented suture fixation are effective, radiographically and functionally comparable methods for treating mid-pole patellar fractures.
• Non-metal fixation techniques demonstrate potential for reduced implant-related complications.
• These suture-based constructs provide a viable alternative to traditional metal implants for patellar fracture fixation.