The modified anterior ellipsoidal cap titanium cable tension band for comminuted patellar fractures

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the outcomes in a series of patients, who underwent cerclage and figure-of-eight tension band wiring using a single titanium cable for comminuted patellar fractures. Methods: We describe a modified tension band technique using a single titanium cable to create an ellipsoidal cap structure that combines the circumferential and figure-of-eight wrapping in the fixation of closed Association for the Study of Internal Fixation/Orthopaedic Trauma Association 34C2 and 34C3 patellar fractures. We retrospectively reviewed 25 patients (16 males and 9 females, mean age 54 years) who underwent the described fixation technique between 2015 and 2017. Postoperative function was evaluated using the Böstman score. Results: At the mean follow-up of 25 months (range 17–39 months), the mean Böstman score was 27.3 ± 2.6 points (range 23–30). Eighteen patients (72%) had excellent results (score ≥28); seven patients (28%) had good results (score 20–27); and no patients had an unsatisfactory result (score < 20). All surgical incisions healed without major wound complications. Two patients reported minor complications (soft tissue irritation, cellulitis). No patients demonstrated loss of reduction or implant failure during the follow-up period. Conclusion: The modified anterior ellipsoidal cap tension band using a single titanium cable created an effective tension band structure in the treatment of comminuted patella fractures. It is a simple operative technique that produced a stable fixation construct, which allowed early functional rehabilitation and weight-bearing with a high rate of excellent outcomes at 2 years after surgery.