Analysis of Isolated Patella Fractures: Do they Affect Walking?
Erdi Imre1, Menekse Karahan2, Mert Özcan3
1Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Istanbul Bakirkoy Dr Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital, Bakırköy, Turkey.
Zeitschrift Fur Orthopadie Und Unfallchirurgie
|May 28, 2025
Summary
Patellar fractures significantly alter walking patterns, increasing foot rotation and step width. These changes may represent compensatory mechanisms for knee joint issues following the injury.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Biomechanics
- Knee Surgery
Background:
- The patella is crucial for knee extension and vulnerable to trauma due to its superficial location.
- Patellar fractures can impact lower limb function and biomechanics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of patellar fractures on gait parameters.
- To analyze gait patterns in patients with patellar fractures compared to healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 18 patients treated for patellar fractures over 10 years.
- Gait analysis performed on patients and 36 healthy controls.
- Statistical evaluation of clinical, radiological, functional, and gait data.
Main Results:
- Increased foot rotation (p=0.026), step width (p<0.001), lateral symmetry (p<0.001), and anterior-posterior variability (p=0.012) were observed on the injured side.
- Multivariate analysis linked lateral symmetry and foot rotation to patellar fractures.
Conclusions:
- Patellar fractures lead to significant gait alterations, including increased foot rotation.
- These gait changes may be compensatory mechanisms for knee joint arthrosis, aiming to reduce knee adduction moments and shear forces.
- Further multicenter studies with larger cohorts are recommended.
