The fractured patella: a long-term follow-up study

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Traumatology

Background:

• Patellar fractures are common knee injuries.
• Treatment outcomes can vary significantly based on fracture type and surgical approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the long-term outcomes of different treatment methods for patellar fractures.
• To compare the efficacy of conservative management, internal fixation, partial excision, and total excision of the patella.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 103 patients with 104 patellar fractures was followed for 3-11 years.
• Fractures were classified as transverse, comminuted, or polar.
• Subjective and objective assessments were performed for all patients.

Main Results:

• Satisfactory results were achieved in the majority of patients across all treatment groups.
• Patients undergoing total patellectomy (total knee cap removal) reported outcomes as favorable as those with other surgical interventions.
• Fracture classification influenced treatment decisions and outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Total patellectomy is a viable and effective treatment option for patellar fractures, offering results comparable to other surgical methods.
• Conservative and surgical interventions for patellar fractures generally lead to satisfactory patient outcomes.
• Long-term follow-up is crucial for assessing the efficacy of various patellar fracture treatments.