A recent study, "Reoperation & Complication Rates Following Patellar Fracture Repair with Plates," by Checketts et al in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS) shows promising patient outcomes utilizing a plate and tension-band construct for the patella.
The study presents a novel fixation method of the patella utilizing a cuboid foot plate and cabling of tissue as required; similar to the SummitTM Patella Plating System but without suture integration within the plate.
In the 85-patient study, only eight patients (9.41%) required reoperation, a much lower rate than the studies previously cited. Importantly, reoperation for hardware removal was only 2.35%, a significantly improved outcome for both cost reduction and patient satisfaction by reducing the potential for secondary surgeries.
They highlight that this technique may support earlier return of function and reduce the need for restrictive postoperative bracing. The study’s therapeutic Level IV evidence reinforces growing support for dorsal plating as an alternative to traditional tension‑band constructs.
Click here to read the article online or download the full PDF.