title: Patellar fractures--a review of classification, genesis and evaluation of treatment.
abstract: The patellar bone is involved in repetitive, load bearing motion sequences every day and functions as a vectorial force translator. A fracture rate of 1% of all skeletal fractures is reported and surgical treatment often required. beside a direct trauma mechanism, indirect mechanism but as well as fatigue fractures after reconstructive knee surgery are published. The fracture management is dependent on the soft tissue condition and a variety of surgical options are known. new generation of low profile plates show promising results but the conventional cerclage wiring technique with K-wires is widely preferred. best functional results with sustainable stability are biomechanically seen after a combined fixation technique using anterior cerclage wiring with cannulated screw fixation. A definite algorithm of treatment of patellar bone fractures is yet not defied but a review of classification and surgical techniques should give assistance in decision making.
authors.affiliation: Clinic for Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Albert-Ludwigs-University of freiburg, freiburg im breisgau, Germany.
authors.forename: M V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Neumann
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Niemeyer
authors.forename: N P
authors.initials: NP
authors.lastname: Südkamp
authors.forename: P C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Strohm
mesh_terms: D001863:Bone Screws; D001864:Bone Wires; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D010329:Patella / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery