The Initial Problems With Modified Tension-Band Wiring (MTBW) For Treating Close Patellar Fractures

Abstract

Background: Patella fractures are problematic since they only account for 4% of all bone fractures, yet they provoke the loss of knee extensor function, articular congruity, and joint stiffness. Surgical fixation is done stably to allow early mobility, which gives the patient a good chance for the anatomic restoration of the articular surface. These days, modified tension band wire (MTBW), with its significant reduction in post-operative complications, is the preferred means of treating patellar fractures. Early postoperative problems include knee pain, infection, prominence of hardware, and loss of reduction.

Objectives: To determine the incidence of early post-operative squeal after closed patellar fractures treated with a Modified Tension Band.

Study design: A retrospective study

Place and duration of study: Department of Orthopedic Surgery MTI Medical Complex Mardan , from 10-May 2018 to 10-May 2020

Material and Methods: It was conducted at Department of Orthopedic Surgery MTI Mardan Medical Complex Mardan , from May 2018 to May 2020. Consecutive 100 patients with closed patellar fractures were selected through OPD and ER using descriptive research. All the patients underwent tension band wiring modification intra-operatively by an experienced orthopedic surgeon under Spinal Anaesthesia. Data related to early post-operative problems like loss of reduction, infection, hardware prominence, stiffness, etc., were collected on a weekly, monthly, three monthly, and six monthly basis.

Results: A total of 100 patients from both sexes participated in the study; male totals were 55 (55%) and female totals were 45 (45%). In this case, the youngest and the oldest patient were 25 and 70 years, respectively. The average age of patients was 40.66+12.2, and these reported having been involved in a traffic accident. By the conclusion of the six months, there had been a total of n-27 (15%) complications, including n-18 (10%) patients with infections, n-9 (5%) patients with stiffness, and 4 (2%) with hardware prominence, and only 5 (3%) had a loss of reduction.

Conclusion: Further work needs to be done concerning improving the evaluation of variables that are related to the increased frequency of early post-operative complications following modified tension-band wire for closed patellar fractures, in comparison with prior reports.