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. 2020 Jun 15;9(6):e783-e789.
doi: 10.1016/j.eats.2020.02.010. eCollection 2020 Jun.

Patellar Fracture Fixation Using Suture Tape Cerclage

Edoardo Monaco  1 , Giorgio Bruni  1 , Matt Daggett  2 , Adnan Saithna  2 , Silvia Cardarelli  1 , Lorenzo Proietti  1 , Andrea Ferretti  1
Affiliations

Patellar Fracture Fixation Using Suture Tape Cerclage

Edoardo Monaco et al. Arthrosc Tech. .

Abstract

Transverse patellar fractures are a relatively common injury and typically require surgical fixation. An adequate restoration of patella integrity is essential for proper functioning of the extensor mechanism of the knee and for the prevention of patellofemoral osteoarthritis. Currently, the treatment of transverse fractures of the patellar bone involves several surgical techniques, most of which involve the use of metallic implants. Despite good clinical results following surgery, numerous complications exist, including primarily symptomatic hardware following surgical treatment. The purpose of this article is to describe the technique for treatment of a transverse patellar fracture using a high-resistance tape (FiberTape; Arthrex) and a tensioner (Arthrex) instead of traditional metallic implants.

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Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1
(A) Preoperative radiographic examination of the left knee in extended position showing the transverse fracture of the patella (∗) on coronal view. (B) Preoperative radiographic examination of the left knee in extended position showing the transverse fracture of the patella (∗) on sagittal view.
Fig 2
Fig 2
Left knee. Cerclage placement step. A straight blunt Deschamps needle (>) is placed immediately below the patellar tendon (∗) and used to pass the high resistance tape under the patellar tendon.
Fig 3
Fig 3
Left knee. Cerclage placement step. The high-resistance tape is driven through the proximal pole of the patella (∗) by the medial to the lateral side with the aid of the eyelet K-wire (<).
Fig 4
Fig 4
Left knee. Cerclage placement step. The high resistance tape is assembled (>) and passed circumferentially around the patella tight around the bone (∗).
Fig 5
Fig 5
Left knee. Cerclage tensioning step. Using the tensioner (∗), the high-resistance tape is tensioned at 80 pound-force (>).
Fig 6
Fig 6
Intraoperative check with image intensifier of the left knee on the sagittal view showing the reduction of the transverse patellar fracture obtained after the tensioning.
Fig 7
Fig 7
(A) Postoperative radiographic examination of the left knee in extended position showing the reduction of the fracture on coronal view. (B) Postoperative radiographic examination of the left knee in extended position showing the reduction of the fracture on sagittal view.
Fig 8
Fig 8
(A) Twelve weeks postoperative radiographic examination of the left knee showing the fracture healing on coronal view. (B) Twelve weeks postoperative radiographic examination of the left knee showing the fracture healing on sagittal view.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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