Suture anchors fixation in the treatment of acute distal avulsion fracture of patella

Abstract

Objective To investigate the feasibility and clinical effects of suture anchors technique for acute distal avulsion fracture of patella. Methods From January 2007 to July 2009, 33 patients(18males and 15 females, ranging from 28 to 72 years, with an average of 49.3 years) were treated with the suture anchors technique. The average time from injury to surgery was 3.5 days(2 to 7 d). Injury reason: traffic accident in 12 cases, injured in daily life in 11 cases, sports injury 9 cases, no clear trauma history in one case. The Bostman evaluation system, follow-up X-ray, and knee mobility were used to analyze the clinical effects of suture anchors technique. Results All patients obtained the follow-up and the average time was 16.5 months(12 to 23 months ). One patient suffered foreign body reaction, and his wound healing was good after operation. The remaining patient wound healing was good. No complications were found in all patients,such as popliteal fossa artery, tibial nerves or peroneal nerve complication. Bostman patella fracture functional score 27.3±2.3 points at the sixth months follow up, 28 cases were rated as excellent, 5 cases were good, and the excellent and good rate was 100%. Six months later, X-ray showed bone healing, knee activity recovered well. The Range of Motion was extension for -2.5°±2.1° and flexion for 122°±5.3°. Conclusion Suture anchors fixation in treatment of acute distal avulsion fracture of patella has a good efficacy, safety and reliability advantages, and without the second operation. This technique provides an alternative in lower pole patella fracture. Key words: Patella; Fractures, bone; Suture anchors; Treatment outcome