Evaluation of clinical outcomes after tension band wiring for transverse fractures of the patella

Abstract

Background: Patella fractures constitute about 1 percent of skeletal trauma, and normally result either as a direct impact to the knee, or an abrupt and forceful drawing in of the quadriceps muscle. The position of the patella is superficial which makes it especially susceptible to trauma. It is an important aspect of the extensor mechanism of the knee, and its anatomy is important in achieving the best performance of the joints. There are many factors impacting the recovery process such as pattern of the fracture, precision of reduction, fixation stability, and quality of postoperative rehabilitation. This paper will examine functional outcomes of tension band wiring (TBW) in patients who have transverse patellar fractures. Study design: Prospective cohort study Duration and place of study: This study was conducted at Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College Karachi from August 2024 to August 2025 Methodology: One hundred and fifty patients (112 men and 38 women) having transverse fracture of patella were organised under the operation involving the TBW method. Knee pain scoring and Goodfellow grading system were used to measure the range of motion and the functionality of the knee in the postoperative functional outcomes. Results: Among 150 patients, 120 of them were well-adjusted, 20 demonstrated good recovery, and 10 showed fair results. The vast majority of the participants had reliable fixation and satisfactory knee mobility with few complications. Radiological assessment at the end of the follow-up period showed that almost all fractures had healed with almost no one showing a relapse of their daily functioning. Conclusion: TBW is a reliable and useful surgical process applied to treat transverse patella fractures. It gives good fixation stability, allows early rehabilitation and gives good functional recovery in case it is done properly and subsequently, appropriate physiotherapy is taken.