Double-Tension Wire Management of Nonunion Patella with Severe Quadriceps Contracture

Abstract

Introduction. Nonunion patella with quadriceps contracture is an unusual orthopaedic finding. Very few cases have been recorded in the past with this complication. We present a case of a 40-year-old male with nonunion patella with quadriceps contracture secondary to trauma. Case Report. A 40-year-old male with posttraumatic nonunion patella with quadriceps contracture since 6 months presented with complaints of defect in the left knee with restriction of movements. X-ray of the left knee confirmed our findings. He underwent quadricepsplasty with double-tension band wiring for the patella followed by rigorous physiotherapy to achieve the current level of the knee flexion of 110 degrees. Conclusion. We conclude that quadricepsplasty with tension band wiring and neutralization wire is one of the good modalities of treatment for a nonunion patella associated with quadriceps contracture.