[Osteosynthetic treatment of a periprosthetic patellar fracture : A case report]

This case report describes the successful fixation of a periprosthetic patellar fracture in an 89-year-old female patient after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and cemented retropatellar component. Fixation was performed by use of a fixed-angle plate combined with cerclage, under preservation of the firmly fixed retropatellar prosthetic component. No complications were observed postoperatively. Radiologic controls confirmed bone healing. A range of movement of the knee joint of 0/5/110° was achieved by the last clinical examination 5 years postoperatively. The patient was free of pain and had an age-appropriate mobility. The use of fixed-angle plates in the treatment of type II periprosthetic patellar fractures according to Ortiguera and Berry can provide stable fixation while preserving the retropatellar prosthetic component. Additional augmentation by cerclage, tapes or traction screws is recommended in cases of poor bone stock or severe osteoporosis.