Introduction

Treatment of both simple and complex patella fractures is a challenging clinical problem. It aims to restore the integrity of the extensor mechanism and the congruity of patellofemoral joint. Controversy exists regarding the most appropriate fixation method. Tension band wiring – aiming to convert tensile forces on the anterior aspect of the patella into compression forces across the fracture site – is the standard of care; however, it is associated with high complication rates. Recently, lateral rim variable angle locking titanium and steel plates have been developed for treatment of both simple and comminuted patella fractures (Fig 1). The low-profile plates have variable angle locking holes enabling up to 15° screw angulation to target small fracture fragments and to avoid fracture lines and other implants. They allow surgeons to achieve stable fixation in simple and complex patella fractures using bicortical, interfragmentary screws in a multiplanar fashion around the rim of the patella. These plates also minimize soft-tissue irritation and can be cut and contoured with dedicated instruments according to the patient anatomy and various fracture patterns. Sutures can be placed through the plate windows to anchor soft tissues to augment the repair.

Materials and Methods

Sixteen pairs of human anatomical specimen, namly knees, were used to simulate either two-part transverse simple AO/OTA 34C1 or five-part complex AO/OTA 34C3 patella fractures by means of osteotomies, with each fracture model being created in six pairs. The complex fracture pattern was characterized by a medial and a lateral proximal fragment, together with an inferomedial, an inferolateral and an inferior fragment mimicking comminution around the distal patellar pole. The specimens with simple fractures were pairwise assigned for fixation with either tension band wiring through two parallel cannulated screws, or a lateral rim variable angle locking plate. The knees with complex fractures were pairwise treated with either tension band wiring through two parallel cannulated screws plus circumferential cerclage wiring, or a lateral rim variable angle locking plate (Fig 2).

Results

For both fracture types, the longitudinal and shear articular displacements, measured between the proximal and distal fragments at the central aspect of the patella between 1000 and 5000 cycles, together with the relative rotations of these fragments around the mediolateral axis were all significantly smaller following the lateral rim variable angle locked plating compared with the tension band wiring (P <. 01; Fig 3).

Conclusion

From a biomechanical perspective, lateral rim locked plating of both simple and complex patella fractures provides superior construct stability versus tension band wiring.