Minimally invasive treatment of closed reduction and tension-band fixation with percutaneous patellar pin for patellar fractures

WANG Xiangjiang; WANG Guiqing; WAN Bin; TAN Xiaobo; ZHANG Tingshuai

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1674-666X.2016.01.003

Abstract：Objective To explore the curative effects of close reduction and tension-band fixation with percutaneous patellar pin for patellar fractures. Methods Clinical data of 42 patients with transverse patellar closed fractures (Rockwood Ⅱ type) treated by close reduction and tension-band fixation with percutaneous patellar pin from January 2010 to August 2014 in Qingyuan People's Hospital, were analyzed retrospectively. The operation time, incision length, intraoperative estimate blood loss, hospitalization stay were recorded, fracture healing and complications were observed, therapeutic effects were assessed according to Bostman's patella fractures functional criteria. Results The operation time ranged from 30 to 65 min (average 40.6 min), length of incision was 1.8 to 3.2 cm (average 2.4 cm), intraoperative estimate blood loss was 20 to 40 mL (average 26.4 mL), length of hospital stay was 5 to 9 days (average 6.5 days). All patients were followed up for 12 to 18 months (average 15.5 months). The healing duration was 2 to 5 months (average 3.8 months) with fracture healing rate of 100%. According to Bostman's criteria, there was excellent in 28 cases, good in 14, with the excellent and good rate of 100% (42/42). There were no complications such as knee joint pain, refracture, pin tract infection, or pin rotation, loosening or pull-out during the follow-up period. Conclusions Treatment of close reduction and tension-band fixation with percutaneous patellar pin for patellar fracture is characterized by minimal damage, reliable fixation, early rehabilitation and good functional recovery.