Minimally invasive osteosynthesis technique in the treatment of transverse patellar fractures in the elderly

Background: This prospective study aims to describe our experience in the management of transverse patellar fractures in elderly patients with minimally invasive osteosynthesis technique (MIOT), at 12-months follow-up. Methods: Patients older than 60, with transverse patellar fracture, type 34-C1 according to the AO/OTA classification system, referring to our trauma centre, between January 2014 and December 2017 were prospectively recruited. All the patients were managed using MIOT surgical procedure and underwent a clinical and radiological follow-up at 2 weeks, 6 weeks and at 3, 6, 12 and 15 months postoperatively. The clinical evaluation was performed using the Lysholm Knee Scoring System (LKSS) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain. The hardware removal was planned at 12-months follow-up. The paired t-test was performed. The test was two-tailed with a confidence level of 5%. Results: 61 patients were recruited. The mean VAS was significantly lower in MIOT group until the 3-months follow-up (p = 0.001). ROM in flexion and LKSS score were significantly better in MIOT-group at all follow-ups, whereas ROM in extension showed no differences, between the two groups, starting from the 6-months follow-up. In the open surgery group, a significantly higher rate of delayed wound healing (p = 0.014), broken wires (p = 0.001) and non-cosmetic scar (p = 0.0221) was observed. Conclusions: This prospective study shows that MIOT is a safe option for treatment of patellar transverse fractures in elderly patients, since it reduces the intra-operative blood loss, shortens the operating time, and is endowed with lower rates of postoperative complications.