Multi-dimensional fixation of patellar multi-fragmentary fractures with locking plates / 中华创伤骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To report the surgical techniques and clinical outcomes of multi-dimensional fixation of patellar multi-fragmentary fractures with locking plates.Methods:A retrospective study was performed in the 26 patients with patellar multi-fragmentary fracture who had undergone open reduction and 3-D internal fixation with locking plates from November 2016 to July 2020 at Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University. There were 17 males and 9 females, with an average age of 62.6 years (from 31 to 90 years). The patellar fractures were exposed and reduced via the longitudinal anterior midline incision of the knee. After the reduction was initially maintained with a cerclage wire, a trimmed and pre-contoured 3.5 mm locking plate was applied onto the patellar surface. After-wards, locking screws were inserted from the lower pole to the upper pole of the patella, from the anterior to the posterior and from the lateral to the medial, respectively, to complete the multi-planar fixation. Follow-ups assessed the B?stman score, knee pain visual analogue scale (VAS), radiographic image and fracture healing, range of motion of the knee, and complications.Results:All the 26 patients were followed up for 12 to 56 months (average, 28 months). Crutches were used while walking until an average of 1.6 months (from 1 to 3 months) after operation in all patients. At the last follow-up, the B?stman score averaged 27.5 points (from 17 to 30 points), yielding 12 excellent, 13 good and 1 poor case with an excellent to good rate of 96.2% (25/26); the knee pain VAS averaged 1.2 points (from 0 to 5 points); the active knee flexion averaged 125° (from 100° to 150°). No breakage, loosening or displacement of the patellar plates or screws was observed during follow-up, but cerclage wire breakage occurred without any symptom in 11 cases. Four patients complained of hardware irritation, and 4 patients underwent hardware removal after fracture union.Conclusion:Multi-dimensional fixation with locking plates is a viable and safe surgical option for patellar multi-fragmentary fractures, due to its satisfactory therapeutic outcomes.