Functional Analysis of Fracture Patella Managed with Tension Band Wiring

Background: Fracture patella accounts for around 1% of all skeletal fractures. It is basically of 2 types: displaced fracture and un displaced fracture. It mainly occurs due to direct blows to the knee joint such as car accidents, injuries, or direct falls on the ground with bent knees. Management of these fractures varies from cylindrical cast application to surgical management for displaced fractures. This study focuses on the functional evaluation of fracture patella managed with tension band wiring.

Materials and Methods: 17 patients with displaced transverse patella fracture managed with tension band wiring were included in the study. An interventional study was performed in AVBRH hospital Wardha between 2017-2019. Operated patients were followed up at one month, two months, and three months for functional assessment. On every follow-up, x-ray was taken to assess the union and implant positioning.

Observations and Results: 41.47 were the mean age (in years) of patients participating in the study. In the study, 17 patients participated, 13 were males (76.47%) and 4 were females (23.53%). Comminuted and oblique fractures were excluded from the study. Out of 17 patients at final follow up, 70.58% patients had excellent results, 29.42 percent had good results, and no patient had a poor functional outcome.

Conclusion: Tension band wiring of fracture patella yields better fun outcomes outcome and an inexpensive method of managing fractured patella. Early knee mobilization and knee range of motion exercises should be started to avoid quadriceps muscle wasting.