J Korean Fract Soc.  2007 Apr;20(2):149-153. 10.12671/jkfs.2007.20.2.149.

Treatment of Transverse Patellar Fracture with Cannulated Screws

• Kim JM
• Yoo JS
• Kwon YJ
• Cheon JO

• KMID: 2295572
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2007.20.2.149

Abstract

PURPOSE
To assess the indication and effect of screw fixation in the transverse patellar fractures.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We analysed the results of 14 transverse patellar fractures fixed with screws from January 1991 to May 2005. Mean follow-up period was 47 months (range, 12~143 months). We analysed the radiologic union, operation time, ROM and postoperative Lysholm score.
RESULTS
All fractures healed uneventfully. The mean displacement was decreased from 2.2 mm preoperatively to 0.3 mm postoperatively (p=0.001, Wilcoxon signed rank test). The mean operation time was 34 minutes (range, 20 to 60 minutes). Normal range of motion was achieved in 13 knees (92.9%). Average Lysholm score was 95.9 at final follow-up.
CONCLUSION
Screw fixation seemed to be useful for treatment of transverse patellar fracture even in comminuted fractures with large fragments. The advantage of this technique was the preservation of extensor mechanism, simplicity, short operation time and good cosmesis.

Keyword

Patella; Transverse fracture; Screw fixation

MeSH Terms

Follow-Up Studies
Fractures, Comminuted
Knee
Patella
Reference Values

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Definition of separation and displacement. The separation is defined as '(a+b)/2' and the displacement is defined as 'c'.

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  Fig. 2 (A) Preoperative radiographs show the separation and displacement in articular surface of patella. (B) Radiographs taken in 3 months after operation show anatomic reduction and complete union.

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  Fig. 3 Full squatting is possible at final follow-up.

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