The clinical outcomes and complications of combined fixation with cannulated screws and the modified Pyrford technique for the treatment of transverse patellar fractures: a case series study

Abstract

Background: Transverse patellar fractures can be fixed using various techniques. The purpose of the current study was to assess the clinical outcomes and complications rate of a combined fixation technique using cannulated screws and the modified Pyrford technique with non-absorbable polyester sutures. Methods and Patients: Between January 2015 and February 2021, 26 transverse patellar fractures were fixed with this combined technique. Pre-operative data were collected from patients with transverse patellar fractures and the patients were followed up for at least 12 months. At each follow-up visit, plain radiographs were taken. At the 12-month post-operative follow-up, range of motion of the affected knee joint and clinical outcomes, as evaluated by the Bostman scoring system, were recorded.Results: The average Bostman score at the 12-month post-operative follow-up was 28.3±1.5. Further, the average extension and flexion of the knee joint were 1.2±2.1 and 125.6±6.7 degrees, respectively. One patient experienced delayed bone union and one experienced superficial wound infection. There were no other post-operative complications. One patient required removal of the device for social-psychological reasons. Conclusions: The combined fixation technique with cannulated screws and the modified Pyrford technique with suture materials produced excellent clinical outcomes and a low rate of complications in the treatment of transverse patellar fractures.