The use of a 30-degree radiolucent triangle during surgery in distal avulsion fractures of the patella

BACKGROUND: Avoiding patella baja or alta after the Krackow suture technique for distal avulsion fractures of the patella can be challenging. We aim to introduce a simple and reproducible technique using a 30-degree radiolucent triangle involving the contralateral knee to ensure the correct positioning of the patella intraoperatively. METHOD: The radiolucent triangle is positioned under the contralateral knee before operating the injured knee. A strict lateral view is obtained using fluoroscopy as a reference before a Krackow technique is performed on the avulsion fracture of the patella. RESULTS: The triangle technique is straightforward and easily reproducible by surgeons of all levels. It allows the surgeon to correctly position the patella intraoperatively in avulsion fracture repair and modify tension on the patellar tendon. CONCLUSION: This method avoids millimetric mispositioning of the operated patella, thus improving the management intraoperatively and could decrease postoperative complications.