The purpose of this study is to evaluate the radiographic and clinical results of patella fractures using a circumferential wiring combined with tension band wiring.

Between January 2005 and June 2012, 22 (male 14, female 8) patients with patella fracture treated with circumferential wiring combined with tension band wiring were analyzed retrospectively. The mean age of patients was 51 years (range, 28 to 72 years). Controlled passive range of motion exercise was started at three weeks from the postoperative day. The patients were evaluated using radiographs, clinical examination, and Levack's scoring system.

All fractures healed and mean time elapsed for union was 11.5 weeks (range, 10 to 14 weeks). Complete union without displacement and full range of motion was achieved in all cases. Clinical results according to Levack's scoring system were excellent in 20 cases and good in two cases. We found broken wire in one case. In this case, results of clinical evaluation after reoperation were good.

Circumferential wiring combined with tension band wiring is appropriate for patella fractures.