For decades, Tension Band Wiring (TBW) has been the gold standard for patella fracture fixation. While effective in basic fracture patterns, its limitations are well documented: implant migration, poor biomechanical stability, frequent need for revision, and delayed recovery.
A new era in fixation has emerged with Anterior Patella Plating Systems, particularly the Auxein 2.7mm AV-Wiselock Anterior Patella Plates. Supported by robust biomechanical and clinical evidence, plating is rapidly becoming the superior alternative.
Complication Rates
TBW/CCW: up to 40% postoperative complications
Plating: as low as 8.7%
(Müller et al., 2024)
TBW often fails under cyclic loading, leading to displacement and instability.
Locked anterior plating shows minimal interfragmentary rotation (0.09° vs 0.73° for TBW) and higher resistance to mechanical failure.
(Athar et al., 2024)
TBW: revision rates up to 17.5% due to migration, breakage, and skin perforation.
Plating: 0% revision rates reported in comparative studies.
(Stoffel et al., 2023)
The Auxein 2.7mm AV-Wiselock Anterior Patella Plate is engineered to address TBW’s shortcomings and align with evidence-based best practices.
Key Innovations:
Feature | Tension Band Wiring (TBW) | AV-Wiselock Anterior Patella Plate |
Biomechanical Stability | Limited under cyclic loading | Superior under dynamic stress |
Implant Migration Risk | High | Minimal |
Soft Tissue Irritation | Frequent | Low-profile design reduces risk |
Fracture Versatility | Transverse and displaced fractures | Simple, wedge, & comminuted fractures |
Recovery | Slower, delayed mobilization (8-10 Weeks) | Early mobilization possible (2-3 Weeks) |
By combining superior biomechanical stability, lower complication rates, and elimination of revision risk, the AV-Wiselock Plate enables:
As highlighted in the systematic review by Theodoulidis et al., 2023, plating is not only a safe alternative but increasingly the preferred approach in both simple and complex patella fractures.
The evidence is decisive: anterior patella plating is surpassing TBW as the new standard in fracture fixation. With innovations like the Auxein AV-Wiselock Anterior Patella Plate, surgeons can deliver stronger fixation, earlier recovery, and better patient satisfaction—redefining outcomes in patella trauma care.
