Complete exposure of the articular surface for fixation of patellar fractures

Abstract

Anterior tension band fixation constructs are among the mainstay of treatment of patella fractures and lead to reliable results with simple transverse fracture patterns. However, comminuted fractures of the patella require much more extensive articular reconstruction than interdigitating two large fragments to achieve a good result. In this report, we describe a technique for exposure, reduction, and stabilization of patella fractures that allows for direct visual reduction of the articular surface. Subsequent devices are applied directly to the bony surfaces of the patella without soft-tissue interposition, which distinguishes it from traditional approaches. This technique may be used to ensure articular surface congruity in simple transverse fractures and may be particularly useful in comminuted fractures when patellar excision would otherwise be considered.