Objective Suture after excision of inferior pole of the patella and internal fixation that reserved distal pole of the patella, the common routine therapy methods for distal pole patellar fractures, are both with some drawback. The aim of this paper is to explore the clinical efficacy of suture anchor and Krackow locking stitch in the treatment of distal pole patellar fractures.
Methods The suture anchor and Krackow locking stitch were performed in 10 cases of distal pole patellar fractures, including 9 cases of closed fracture and 1 case of open fracture (Gustilo type Ⅰ), 5 male and 5 female patients, aged 23 to 75 (mean 46. 00 ±19. 48) years. Two suture anchors were twisted in the proximal section, and Krackow locking stitch was performed. Hinged knee brace was used to protect at knee extension. Knee flexion exercises protected by hinged knee brace were carried out in 3 days after the operation; Partial weight bearing exercise protected by hinged knee brace was performed at 2 weeks after the operation, and full weight-bearing ambulation without hinged knee brace protection was executed. The regularly reexamination after the operation was performed to check the position of anchors by X-ray and evaluate the healing of fractures.
Results All patients were followed up, the average time was 6 to 12 months (mean7. 90 ±2. 28). The length of incision was 4 to 7 cm (mean 5. 35 ±0. 85) cm. Bostman patella fracture functional score was 22 to 30 points (mean 27. 10 ±2. 88) at 3 months after the operation and 23 to 30 points (mean 28. 30 ±2. 21) at 6 months after the operation. The bony union was showed by radiography 6 months after the operation in all fractures.
Conclusion The suture anchor and Krackow locking stitch in the treatment of distal pole patellar fractures is with good early efficacy, less trauma and rapid postoperative recovery, avoiding the second operation.