Use of multiple “8” figure tension band steel wiring for treatment of comminuted patellar fractures

Objective To study the use of multiple “8” figure tension band steel wiring in the comminuted fractures treatment. Methods In 26 cases of comminuted patellar fractures, first of all, 3-5 Kirschner-wires were used and traversed through most of the fracture fragments after open reduction, then steel wires were used to fix the fractures in “8” figure shape round every two neighbouring parallel Kirschner-wires, no external fixation was necessary postoperatively. Results All 26 patients got bone union within 10 weeks, the internal fixations were removed in 6-12 months and recovery of the function of the operated extremities was satisfactory. Conclusions Multiple “8” figure tension band steel wiring is a feasable method for comminuted patellar fractures.