Progress on Kirschner wire insertion techniques for patellar fractures

Abstract

Tension band wiring has been widely used in patellar fracture internal fixation. However, Kirschner wires (K-wires) insertion is time-consuming, because it requires multiple intraoperative fluoroscopies to adjust the insertion angle, and the accuracy of insertion is not ideal. In this review, we summarize the measurement of patellar anatomical parameters, K-wires placement level, and application of guiding devices, with the focus on improving the accuracy of K-wire insertion from perspectives of K-wire placement and guiding devices. This review hope to provide some inspiration for new guiding devices with auxiliary K-wire placement.