[Comparative evaluation of various surgical technics in the treatment of dislocated patellar fractures]

From the point of view of the different operative methods 137 patellar fractures operated on in the 3 years' material (1969--1971) of the Central Casualty Rehabilitation Institute have been analysed by the authors. 116 fractures could be re-examined 2--4 years after patients were back at work. If the operation was followed by adequate functional management, satisfactory results were found after all operations. When the patients were back at work, further improvement of the results has been observed. In the time the patients got again to work, the results of partial patellectomy seemed better,--however, after 2--4 years osteosynthesis yielded better final results. Traction loop proved more effective than cerclage. If possible, conservation and exact unionof the patella is of great importance in both juveniles and manual workers. Early functional treatment improves the late results of the operation.