[Surgical management of dislocated patellar fractures--therapy and results]

Between 1976 and 1985, 96 patients with 97 fractures of the patella have been operated at the 2nd Department of Trauma Surgery, University of Vienna. According to the radiographs the fractures were classified in nine apical fractures (9.3%), 34 transverse fractures (35.1%), two longitudinal fractures (2.1%), three star-like fractures (3.1%), 25 multifragment fractures (25.8%) and 24 comminuted fractures (24.7%). The methods of operation employed are: In 34 patients standard circumferential wiring, in 43 patients tension-band wiring either alone or combined with Kirschner-wires and in 13 patients partial patellectomie. One fracture was fixed with a screw alone. 47 patients with 48 fractures were followed up clinically and radiologically three to nine years postoperatively. The overall results were in 16 cases excellent, in 23 cases fair and in nine cases poor. The possible surgical procedures of the various forms of fractures are discussed referring to their longterm results.