Partial Patellectomy: A Series of 17 Patients

Abstract

The purpose of the study is the evaluation of partial patellectomy in 17 patients with displaced comminuted patella fractures from a total of 146 fractures. Surgical restoration of the knee extension mechanism was supplemented by tension band wired from the patella to the tibial tubercle. The average follow– up period was 26 months. The Cincinatti evaluation form, knee x–ray measurements and isokinetic testing was used for the evaluation of all patients. Eleven patients showed very good to excellent results, whereas six patients showed poor to moderate results. Using magnetic tomography we were able to detect osteoarthritic changes at an early stage. Under given circumstances, partial patellectomy can produce satisfactory outcomes, such as early mobilization and full kinetic recovery within 3 months.