A retrospective study over ten years evaluated the outcomes of 32 patients with transverse patellar fractures treated with tension band wiring (TBW). The study highlighted a 28.1% failure rate, mainly attributed to cerclage wire slippage and wire breakage. Longer Kirschner wire lengths and single-knot constructs were linked to higher failure risks, with significant differences in radiographic parameters. Notably, the most common injury mechanisms were high-energy falls and traffic accidents, with no failures associated with sex or BMI. The research underscores the importance of selecting appropriate implant lengths and configurations in surgical planning.

Source: Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research