PMC6727447_01
Left gap non-union patella fracture.
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F1
Plain radiographs of the left knee demonstrated a 12 cm gap non-union of the left patella (Fig. 1).
Ring fixator device.
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F2
The first stage involved application of skeletal traction on the proximal fragment (Figs. 2 and 3).
Ring fixator device.
JOCR-9-69-g003.jpg
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F3
The first stage involved application of skeletal traction on the proximal fragment (Figs. 2 and 3).
Definitive fixation. (a) anterior-posterior film and (b) lateral film.
JOCR-9-69-g004.jpg
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F4
Due to the patient's poor bone quality, the decision was made to apply tension wire skeletal traction using a ring fixator device with one wire passing through the bone and a second wire through the quadriceps tendon (Fig. 4). Once adequate mobilization of the proximal patella fragment was achieved, we proceeded to the second stage which involved a conventional tension band wiring to achieve definitive fixation (Fig. 4).