OBJECTIVETo compare the clinical efficiency of patellar fixed pin and Kirschner's nail with tension band in treating patellar fracture.

METHODSFrom November 2010 to January 2012, the clinical data of 42 patients with patella fracture were treated with patella fixed needle and Kirschner's nail with tension band. The patellar fixed needle group included 21 cases (14 males and 7 females,aged 26 to 65 with an average of 43.6 years old); The Kirschner's nail with tension band group included 21 cases (12 males and 9 females,aged 32 to 58 with an average of 41.5 years old). The operation time, intra-operative blood loss and healing time were compared between two groups. Böstman score was applied to compare the therapeutic effects.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up with an average of 11.5 months ranged from 6 to 14 months. The fractures healed well without complications such as nonunion and infection. According to Böstman score, there was no significant difference between two groups in clinical efficiency (Z = -0.83, P = 0.407). There was significant difference in operation time (t = 6.67, P = 0.00), while no difference in intra-operative blood loss, bone healing time (t = 1.90, P = 0.064; t = 0.612, P = 0.544).

CONCLUSIONBoth methods can obtain good results. However, patellar fixed pin combined with tension band is one of the ideal methods for the treatment of patellar fracture, it has an advantage of simple with shorter operation time, rigid fixation, less complications and well recovery.