FUNCTIONALAND RADIOLOGICAL OUTCOME OF TBW USING FIBER WIRE IN THE TREATMENT OF PATELLAR FRACTURE - A PROSPECTIVE STUDY.

Background: The patella is a critical component of the knee's extensor mechanism, essential for joint stability and knee function. Patellar fractures disrupt this mechanism and often require surgical intervention to restore anatomy and function. This study evaluates the clinical outcomes and postoperative complications in patients undergoing open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of transverse patellar fractures using a tensionband wiring technique with Fiber Wire sutures. Methods: Alongitudinal hospital-based study was conducted at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal. Sixty-nine patients aged 18–70 years with displaced Grade 1 transverse patellar fractures underwent ORIF with Fiber Wire tension-band wiring. Patients were followed for an average of 15.3 months. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Bostman score, and radiological healing was evaluated with Schmitz criteria. Range of motion (ROM) and complication rates were also recorded. Results: The mean age was 52.49 ± 13.36 years, with a female predominance (59.4%). The mean operative time was 71.16 ± 12.95 minutes. All patients received spinal anesthesia without intraoperative or neurovascular complications. Bone healing was achieved at a mean of 12.78 ± 2.26 weeks. Functional outcomes improved significantly over time, with mean Bostman scores rising from 20.41 at 3 months to 27.70 at 12 months (p<0.001). ROM of the operated knee improved from 113.12° at 3 months to 135.72° at 12 months, approaching the contralateral normal knee (142.39°). At 12 months, 58% of patients had excellent and 42% good outcomes. Postoperative complications were minimal. Conclusion: Tension-band wiring with Fiber Wire sutures is an effective technique for ORIF of transverse patellar fractures, providing satisfactory functional recovery and low complication rates.