Surgical Management of Patella Fractures: A Review

Abstract

Patella fractures are a common orthopaedic injury caused by either a direct blow to the anterior knee or excessive tension through the extensor mechanism. These fractures can result in acute disruption of the knee extensor mechanism, knee stiffness, and post-traumatic patellofemoral arthritis. Indications for operative fixation of patellar fractures are either disruption of the extensor mechanism or >2-3mm articular step-off and >1-4 mm of fracture displacement. Multiple operative techniques exist for surgical fixation of patella fractures, however there is a high risk of postoperative complications, most frequently symptomatic hardware. This review will highlight the anatomy, mechanism of injury, and treatment algorithm for patella fractures, including recent advancements in surgical technique to optimize outcomes and minimize complications.