Background: Patellar fractures represent significant challenges in orthopaedic practice, affecting patients' mobility and quality of life. These fractures are one of the main problems in orthopaedic practice, establishing multiple complicated challenges in treatment and recovery.Aim of the study: This study compares between the outcomes of two tension band techniques for patellar fracture fixation: cannulated screws with cerclage wire versus Kirschner wires (Kirschner wires) with cerclage wire.. Methods: This prospective and retrospective study was conducted at Basrah Teaching Hospital from May 2023 to May 2024 on (30) patients with displaced patellar fractures treated with either cannulated screws and cerclage wire (Group A) or Kirschner wires and cerclage wire (Group B). Data on demographics, fracture characteristics, operative details, and postoperative outcomes were collected. The primary outcomes assessed included knee stability, knee function (measured by the range of motion and Bostman score), complications rate, and overall patient satisfaction. Results: The mean age of group A who were treated with cannulated screws and cerclage wire was (47.67±16.60) years, compared to (54.60±18.68) years in Group B, who were treated with Kirschner wires and cerclage wire, with a non-significant difference (p=0.292). Non-significant difference was found between the two groups in regard to gender distribution (p=0.136). Non-significant differences (p>0.05) were found in each of function status before the fracture,  type of fracture, soft tissue status, and degree of  displacement, and no significant differences were detected in complication rates including infection, knee stiffness, or hardware failure. Conclusions: Both tension band techniques, using cannulated screws with cerclage wire and Kirschner wires with cerclage wire were effective in treating patellar fractures, with comparable functional outcomes and complication rates.

Keywords:  Patellar fractures, Cannulated screws, Kirschner wires, Tension band fixation.