ABSTRACT
Transosseous patellar tunnels commonly are used in the repair of acute or chronic
patellar tendon or quadriceps tendon ruptures. Commonly, a small diameter (2.0-3.5
mm) drill bit is used to create these drill tunnels. However, drill bits are relatively
brittle and susceptible to breakage. The use of a larger diameter smooth Steinmann
pin (3/32″) is recommended to create transosseous patellar tunnels to eliminate this
potential complication.
