Comparison of the Kirschner Wire Tension Band with a Novel Nickel–Titanium Arched Shape–Memory Alloy Connector in Transverse Patellar Fractures: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

This study aims to compare the clinical outcomes of the nickel–titanium arched shape–memory alloy connector (hereafter referred to as the ASC) and tension band fixation for the treatment of transverse patellar fractures. We retrospectively analyzed a total of 257 patients with transverse patellar fractures who were treated at our emergency orthopaedics department from March 2010 to March 2017. Either an ASC or the Kirschner wire (K-wire) tension band had been used to treat these fractures according to surgeons' experience and preference. We compared operative details, postoperative recovery, and postoperative knee function at 6 months. In terms of surgical duration, blood loss, incision length, length of hospital stay, and postoperative complications, patients in the ASC group showed significantly better results than patients in the K-wire group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of fracture healing time, knee mobility, and the Boström score at the postoperative 6-month evaluation (p > 0.05). Though, there were similar functional outcomes between two groups whose transverse patellar fractures were different methods, we found that the ASC method was a more reliable, more minimally invasive, and safer treatment option than the tension band wiring method using K-wires, resulting in less tissue damage, shorter surgical duration, shorter length of hospital stay, and fewer complications.

Percutaneous minimally invasive treatment of transverse patellar fracture using cannulated screws combined with high-strength sutures and Nice knots: a retrospective study

“…The Kirschner wire combined with tension band wiring is a widely used surgical method for the treatment of patellar fractures in clinical settings (11). In the surgical treatment of patella fractures, many orthopedists have reported that internal fixation, especially with a Kirschner wire and steel wire, stimulates the thin prepatellar soft tissue, resulting in varying degrees of pain or joint discomfort, and thereby affecting knee function (12). Additionally, many patients must undergo a 2nd operation due to softtissue stimulating symptoms, which further increases the suffering and treatment costs of patients (13,14).…”

Microstructure, mechanical properties and biocompatibility of laser metal deposited Ti–23Nb coatings on a NiTi substrate

“…Due to their superior damping capacity, super-elastic materials are highly recommended for orthopedic load-bearing implants since they permit a reduction in the local stress intensity. Since the invention of nickeltitanium alloys, they have been used in various biomedical applications, such as endoscopes [6], orthopedic wires [7], and anastomotic rings [8]. However, nickel has proven to be a serious health hazard [9].…”