Arthroscopy - guided Fixation of Patella Fractures

Suh, Jeung Tak; Yun, Pyung Joo; Yoo, Chong Il

Abstract

Fractures of the patella are intra-articular fractures of a sesamoid bone. The goal of treatment is to restore the function of the extensor mechanism and congtvity of the articular surface of the knee. So postoperative traumatic arthritis is minimized by an accurate reduction of the articular surfaces. We analyzed nine cases of the patella fractures which were treated by the use of arthroscopy to allow visualization of and working inside of joints, and the use of the image-intensifier fluoroscope to allow real-time vi.sualization of the skeleton. The results were as follows The fixation of patelia fractures using an arthroscopy could be applied to transverse or vertical fractures without comminution and severe osteoporosis. 2. In the treatment of two types of patella fractures (simple transverse e rnarginal vertical fractures without comminution), clinically satisfactory results were obtained through the accurate reduction of articular surface using an arthroscopy and image intensifier.