NiTi-patella concentrator versus AO tension band fixation in the treatment of patella fractures

Objective To compare and evaluate the clinical efficacy of NiTi-patella concentrator and Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Osteosynthesefragen( AO) tension band fixation in the treatment of patella fractures. Methods The clinical data of 74 patients with patella fractures were retrospectively analyzed. The 32 patients in NT-PC group were treated with NiTi-patella concentrator,and 42 patients in AO group were treated with AO tension band fixation. Clinical efficacy was evaluated according to the healing time of fracture,range of motion( ROM) and outcome of knee joint function. Results All patients were followed up for( 22. 0 ± 1. 8) months. The healing time of fracture averaged( 13. 8 ± 1. 9) weeks and( 14. 5 ± 1. 7) weeks in NT-PC group and AO group,respectively,and there was no significant difference( P 0. 05). The excellent and good rates of the function of knee joints were 85. 7% and 80. 9%,respectively,and there was no significant difference( P 0. 05). There was no significant difference in the excellent and good rates of the function of knee joints between transverse fracture and comminuted fracture in NT-PC group. No complications as deep infection,loosening or breakage of the internal fixture were found. Conclusion Both NiTi-patella concentrator and AO tension band fixation have the same satisfied efficacy in the treatment of patella fracture. NiTi-patella concentrator has the advantages of mini trauma,easy operation and good biocompatibility,which is an ideal treatment for the comminuted patella fractures.