A precise navigation device for fixation of patella fractures with modified K-wire tension band: design and application

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p><jats:bold>Background </jats:bold>Traditionally, the technique of modified tension band wires (MTBW) has been the most commonly used surgical procedure. The purpose of this study is to design a precise navigation device that can obtain a standard position of K-wires for (MTBW), and to compare the precise MTBW (P-MTBW) by a navigation device with the conventional MTBW (C-MTBW) by hands in a retrospective study.<jats:bold>Methods </jats:bold>The device is designed by solidworks2012 software (USA), which can provide a precise guidance for obtaining a parallel K-wires. In addition, it can set the distance between two k-wires and the level of k-wires below patellar anterior surface. From June 2014 to August 2018, a total of 112 patients are employed in this retrospective study. The patients are divided into P-MTBW group and C-MTBW group according to the surgical technique with or without the precise navigation device. We need to record and analyze the operation time and the number of fluoroscopy, postoperative internal fixation imaging, knee function and complications.<jats:bold>Results </jats:bold>There were 54 patients in P-MTBW group and 58 patients in C-MTBW group. There were statistically significant differences(P＜0.001) in the operation time between P-MTBW group (39.5±4.7; range, 32–49 minutes) and C-MTBW group (53.7±6.8; range, 42–71 minutes). The number of intraoperative fluoroscopy was significantly less (P＜0.001) in P-MTBW group(4.2±1.4) versus that of C-MTBW group (8.3±2.7). According to Iowa knee score, there was no significant difference (P=0.268) in function between the two groups. According to our own evaluation criteria for MTBW, anyone in the P-MTBW group was excellent and 26 patients were excellent, 20 patients were good and 2 patients were fair in the C-MTBW group.<jats:bold>Conclusion </jats:bold>The navigation device can reduce operation time and intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency. P-MTBW fixation is an accurate and effective surgical procedure for patella fractures.</jats:p>