The use of non-absorbable suture in the fixation of patellar fractures: a preliminary report.

We describe the use of a non-absorbable, braided, polyester suture, 5 Ti-Cron (Davis and Geck, Gosport, Hampshire), for the fixation of patellar fractures as an alternative to stainless steel wire. Seven patients had their fractures fixed with this material and all progressed to union with good restoration of knee function. The ease of use of the suture allowed accurate reduction of the fractures and reduced operative and tourniquet time. None of the patients suffered significant complications from the procedure although two patients required removal of the suture because of knot symptoms. This was easily performed under local anaesthetic on an out-patient basis. We believe that non-absorbable suture is a good substitute for stainless steel wire and reduces the need for a second procedure for wire removal.