Fracture of the patella in children and adolescents

Fractures of the patella in childhood and adolescence are a rare occurrence, and they are differentiated from those occurring the adult. Between 1975 and 1995, 76 cases of fracture of the patella in patients aged under 15 years were treated at our institute. A mean clinical-radiographic follow-up of 2 years was available for all of the patients; 18 patients were followed-up after a considerable amount of time (mean 18 years). After analyzing the specific features that distinguish there fractures when they affect a subject who is still growing, the authors report the results obtained and the short and long-term complications observed.