A brand-new research report, “Treatment of Failed Patella ORIF With Novel Patella Tension Band Plate and Suture Construct: A Case Report,” was published in Case Reports in Orthopedics in June 2026.
The case study describes a 51‑year‑old woman who experienced early hardware failure and malunion after primary patella ORIF using tension band wiring. According to the report, “hardware failure and malunion are feared complications of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of patella fractures and require revision ORIF.” 
The surgical team performed a revision ORIF using a novel patella plate with integrated sutures, a construct designed to manage both the bony fracture and the soft‑tissue components of the extensor mechanism simultaneously. This approach allowed controlled tensioning of the quadriceps and patellar tendons while stabilizing the fracture with a low‑profile plate.
The conclusion emphasizes that this plate‑and‑suture construct successfully addressed the patient’s malunion and early fixation failure, offering potential advantages over traditional techniques. The construct “carries the potential advantage of addressing both osseous and soft tissue elements of the extensor mechanism,” supporting more natural knee biomechanics during recovery.
The study suggests that future comparative and biomechanical studies may further clarify how this technique performs relative to other ORIF methods, particularly regarding return‑to‑activity timelines, pain and functional outcomes.
Click here to read the article online or download the full PDF.
