As per the latest study published in the “China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology”, the Kirschner wire with hole transverse fixation combined with titanium cable purse-string suture is an advantageous treatment option for refractory fracture of comminuted patellar fracture.

A total of seven females and ten males between 28 to 67 years with a comminuted fracture who were treated with Kirschner wire with hole transverse fixation combined with titanium cable purse-string suture between January 2014 to January 2016 were retrospectively analysed. All the fractures were of type 34-C3.2 as per the AO/OTA fracture classification. Intervals of the first functional exercise postoperatively, operative time, blood loss, and complications were also examined. Meantime, Böstman scoring at ten months after the operation was used to evaluate the functional recovery.

A follow up of all patients for 14.6±2.1 months (average) was conducted. All incisions were recovered at stage I. Clinical fracture healing time ranged from 11.7 to 16.5 weeks with an aggregate of (12.7±1.7) weeks; the first time of functional exercise ranged from 2 to 5 d with an average of (2.2±1.7) d; blood loss ranged from 41 to 72 ml with an average of (57.0±7.5) ml; operative time ranged from 67 to 95 min with an average of (71.4±11.5) min. No complication such as loose or slippery of Kirschner pin, Kirschner pin stabbing the skin, wire escaped and broken, or bursitis with pain brought by the tip of Kirschner pin occurred. Twelve subjects gained excellent outcomes, four well and one loss. The postoperative Böstman score at ten months noticed was 28.15±1.74.