Work

Comparative clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of modified tension band wiring techniques in patellar fracture repairs

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Patellar fractures challenge knee function recovery. Traditional tension band wiring (TBW) suffers from K-wire complications and inadequate fracture site compression, prompting modified techniques. We hypothesized that a cerclage-free modified TBW (Group A) would outperform titanium cable TBW (Group B) and titanium cable TBW with cerclage (Group C) in cost, complications, and functional outcomes. In this retrospective study (Level IV evidence), 83 patients (aged 18-80) with unilateral closed transverse patellar fractures (December 2018-2023) were grouped by fixation method. Group A incurred the lowest hospital costs, and Group C had the highest. Operation time was significantly shorter in Group B. However, Groups A and B outperformed Group C in postoperative recovery time, early functional exercise initiation, Lysholm score at 1 year postoperatively, and complication rates. Modified TBW without cerclage demonstrated cost efficiency, reduced complications associated with earlier rehabilitation initiation compared to cerclage-augmented techniques.

Source: Medicine

DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000044696

Authors: Ning Gai, Jihang Yao, Fukun Lin, Yiming Liu, Baochang Qi

Institutions: First Hospital of Jilin University, Yantaishan Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Bone fractures and treatments

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,950