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Clinical and functional outcomes of fracture pattern-driven plate osteosynthesis technique for comminuted patellar fractures using multiple miniplates

Cho JW, Cho WT, Sakong S, Choi W, Kang S, Bak P, Kent WT, Choi JS et al.

Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery, 2026

62 participants

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Comminuted patellar fractures, particularly AO/OTA 34-C2 and C3 fractures, present substantial challenges in achieving stable fixation and anatomical reconstruction. Conventional tension-band wiring may fail in such cases due to insufficient mechanical stability. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of a fracture pattern-driven plate osteosynthesis technique using multiple miniplates tailored to the intricate morphology of multifragmentary patellar fractures. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of 62 patients with AO/OTA 34-C2 or C3 patellar fractures treated between 2018 and 2023 at two academic trauma centers. All patients underwent fixation using a fragment-specific approach involving anterior tension-band plating and miniplates, guided by preoperative CT-based fracture mapping. The outcome measures included radiographic reduction quality, union rate, range of motion (ROM), Lysholm score, and isokinetic quadriceps strength at 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: Anatomical or good reduction was achieved in all cases (72.6% anatomical, 27.4% good), with a 100% union rate and low complication rate (3.2% reoperation rate). The mean final ROM was 132.9° ± 6.8°, and Lysholm scores improved from 70.3 ± 10.0 at 6 months to 89.1 ± 6.7 at 12 months. However, isokinetic peak torque deficits persisted at 12 months (mean 24.6% ± 13.0), and the body mass–normalized extension torque averaged 0.99 ± 0.40 Nm/kg, indicating residual muscle…

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Evidence Hub reads this as a cohort study, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 62 participants or records.

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