English

Abstract

BACKGROUND Patella is the largest sesamoid bone in the human body, which plays important role in biomechanics of the knee. It is one of the few bones without periosteal surrounding. Fracture of patella constitute almost 1 % of all skeletal injuries with high prevalence in age group of 20 - 50 years. Fracture of patella may be due to direct/indirect force. Direct force often results in displaced or comminuted fractures. Fracture caused by indirect mechanisms result from a violent contraction of quadriceps muscle with knee flexion. Most of the patella fractures are combination of direct and indirect forces. Most significant effects of fracture patella are loss of continuity of the extensor mechanism of the knee and potential incongruity of the patellofemoral articulation. Treatment option includes reconstruction of entire patella or partial patellectomy and tendon repair or total patellectomy with extensor mechanism repair. Advancement in surgical techniques treatment option being shifted from patellectomy to reconstruction, preservation, and restoration of extensor mechanism. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional outcome of transverse fracture of patella treated with tension band wiring. METHODS This prospective study was done among 35 patients, who sustained transverse patellar fractures and were admitted in Department of Orthopaedics, Government Medical College, Thrissur from 01 October 2019 to 01 October 2020. Functional and clinical outcome was assessed at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months using Goodfellow’s scoring system. RESULTS The mean age was found to be 43 years, males were predominant. In 62.86 % of study population, right side was involved. In 63 % of study population, fracture occurred due to road traffic accidents (RTA). Average union was achieved in 11 - 13 weeks. Functional outcome was excellent to good in 85.71 % of study population. CONCLUSIONS Transverse fracture of patella can be treated with modified tension band wiring without much complications and early weight bearing is possible with good functional outcome. KEYWORDS Transverse Fracture Patella, Prospective Study, Tension Band Wiring, Good Fellows Score