PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical results of displaced transverse patella fractures which were treated with figure-eight wiring by means of parallel cannulated screws. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients who had displaced non-comminuted transverse patella fractures were seen between August 1998 to March 2000 and then followed up for more than one year, were prospectively evaluated with regard to their clinical and radiologic results. RESULTS: Clinical union occurred at an average of eight weeks and radiologic union at twelve weeks. Clinical results were evaluated at six months and one year postoperatively. The flexion contracture was 3.3degrees, the further flexion was 127.6degrees At six months the flexion contracture was 2degrees, and the further flexion was 135degrees at one year. Functional results according to the Wilkinson classification system were excellent in 8 cases, good in 2 cases at six months excellent in 9 cases, and good in 1 case at twelve months. There was no soft tissue irritation caused by the wire and screw, loosening or an implant migration. CONCLUSION: Cannulated screw fixation and figure-eight wiring is one of the useful methods for the repair of displaced transverse patella fractures.
Classification ; Contracture ; Humans ; Patella* ; Prospective Studies