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AUGUST 2016 | The Surgical Technologist | 349 The Surgical Repair of Transverse Patella Fractures L E A R N I N G O B J E C T I V E S s Learn about the use of K-wires for treatment of this fracture s Review the anatomy related to this procedure s Recall the patient preparation specific to this operation s Examine the role of the surgical technologist during a transverse patella fracture s Read about studies comparing the use of metallic versus nonmetallic implants A N A T O M Y A N D P H Y S I O L O G Y The patella is the largest sesamoid bone in the human body. Sesamoid bones are not connected to other bones; instead, they are connected by tendons or are embedded in muscle tissue. The patella bone can be found in the quadriceps tendons. The function of sesamoid bones is to provide a smooth surface over which the tendon can slide, and increases the ability of the tendons to transmit muscle forces. 2 The patella bone is located anterior to the knee joint, and the posterior sur- face articulates with the femur. It is attached proximally to the femoral condyles, and attached distally to the condyles of the tibia and upper ends of the fibula. 5 P O S I T I O N I N G During transverse patella fractures a patient will be placed in the supine position, with their arms are placed at each of their sides and Angela Mi ller , cst Patella fractures constituteabout 1%of all fractures, andaremostlycaused by direct trauma to the front of the knee. 1 There are many types of patella fractures: comminuted, open, nondisplaced and displaced. This articlewill focus on the about 50% to 80% of patellar fractures that are transverse, 3 and requires the surgical treatment using Kirschner wires, also known as K-wires and tension-band wiring.