Predictors of postoperative complications of tension band wiring techniques for patella fracture: A retrospective multicenter (TRON group) study

Objective The relationship between postoperative complications and operative techniques of tension band wiring (TBW) is not well studied. We aimed to evaluate the incidence of implant breakage, implant migration, and loss of reduction in patellar fractures treated with TBW and identify radiographic factors associated with these postoperative complications. Methods This multicenter (named, TRON group) retrospective study included 224 patients who underwent open reduction and internal fixation of patella fractures using TBW from January 2016 to December 2020. Radiographic findings were evaluated by experienced orthopedic surgeons, and radiographic outcomes were assessed for K-wire migration, implant breakage, and loss of reduction. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify radiographic factors associated with postoperative complications. Results Implant migration occurred in 44 cases (19.6%), with bending of a single K-wire end identified as a significant risk factor (OR: 12.90; 95% CI: 4.99–33.30; P < 0.001). Implant breakage occurred in 43 cases (19.2%), with a large patella-tension band ratio (OR: 291.0; 95% CI: 19.60–4330; P < 0.001) and a wide distance between K-wires (OR: 1.15; 95% CI: 1.060–1.250; P = 0.001) identified as significant risk factors. Loss of reduction occurred in 5 cases (2.0%), but no significant risk factors were identified. Conclusion This study highlights the importance of bending both ends of the K-wires and proper placement of the tension band and K-wires in reducing postoperative complications in patellar fractures treated with TBW. Further research is needed to better understand the risk factors associated with loss of reduction.