[Injuries of the extension apparatus of the knee joint]

The article analyses problems of the diagnosis, the choice of the therapeutic tactics, and the results of operative treatment in 478 patients. Operation undertaken as early as possible after the injury is indicated in fresh fractures of the patella with displacement of the fragments, ruptures of the tendon of the quadriceps femoris muscle and the patellar ligament. The authors prefer stable fixation of patellar fractures by means of a "tightening" wire loop and a "blocking" wire loop in injuries of the patellar ligament. Additional external immobilization is not employed. Study of the late-term results of treatment confirm the expediency of wider introduction of these methods into traumatological practice.