CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Revista Chilena de Ortopedia y Traumatología 2022; 63(01): e1-e8
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1744267
Artículo Original | Original Article

Management of Comminuted Fractures of the Distal Pole of the Patella with Vertical Wire Loops: Case Report[*]

Article in several languages: español | English
1   Equipo de Rodilla, Hospital del Trabajador ACHS, Santiago, Chile
2   Equipo de Rodilla, Hospital Militar de Santiago, Santiago, Chile
,
Piero Innocenti
1   Equipo de Rodilla, Hospital del Trabajador ACHS, Santiago, Chile
,
1   Equipo de Rodilla, Hospital del Trabajador ACHS, Santiago, Chile
3   Equipo de Rodilla, Hospital Barros Luco Trudeau, Santiago, Chile
,
1   Equipo de Rodilla, Hospital del Trabajador ACHS, Santiago, Chile
,
1   Equipo de Rodilla, Hospital del Trabajador ACHS, Santiago, Chile
4   Equipo de Rodilla, Clínica Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
› Author Affiliations
Funding The present study did not receive any type of institutional or private funding.

Abstract

Introduction Comminuted fractures of the distal pole of the patella represent a challenge for the knee surgeon, as there is no standard treatment that enables accelerated rehabilitation. Osteosynthesis and reattachment of the distal pole using vertical wire loops has recently been described.

Materials and Methods We herein present two cases of comminuted fracture of the distal pole of the patella resolved with vertical wire loops and modifications of this technique.

Results Osteosynthesis of the distal pole of the patella was performed, achieving a satisfactory radiographic reduction and enabling accelerated rehabilitation, with a progressive range of motion the day after the surgery. The patients achieved full range of motion two and three months after surgery. They progressed satisfactorily, without complications related to this technique and its variations, and were discharged four months after the reduction and osteosynthesis.

Discussion The traditional techniques for the management of distal pole fractures involve special considerations regarding rehabilitation and associated complications. The vertical wire loop technique was used in two patients: in one of them, it was supplemented with a Krackow suture; and, in the other, with a mini-fragment plate, which enabled accelerated rehabilitation and early return to work.

Conclusion The use of vertical wire loops appears to be a safe technique, which enables accelerated rehabilitation and early return to work.

Level of evidence: V.

* Study conducted at Hospital del Trabajador ACHS, Santiago, Región Metropolitana, Providencia.




Publication History

Received: 10 August 2021

Accepted: 18 January 2022

Article published online:
20 May 2022

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