Clinical efficacy study of the lateral parapatellar approach combined with the “Hedgehog” technique in treating complex comminuted patellar fractures

In the surgical management of complex comminuted patellar fractures, the lateral parapatellar approach allows for precise reduction of fracture fragments under direct visualization, achieving anatomical reduction with reliable fixation. This approach facilitates early functional exercises, accelerates rehabilitation, and achieves favorable clinical outcomes while avoiding patellectomy, and thus may represent a valuable alternative technique. The simple and cost-effective internal fixation technique using a Kirschner wire tension band combined with Ethibond suture remains vigorously viable in the era of rapidly advancing orthopaedic treatment technologies.