Abstract
Patellar fractures account for approximately 1% of all human body fractures. This
study aimed to compare the surgical outcomes of open reduction and closed reduction
for patellar fractures. This retrospective study included 62 patients (63 cases) who
underwent surgical treatment of patellar fractures from 2008 to 2013. Of the 63 cases,
open and closed reductions were performed in 42 and 21 cases, respectively. Plain
radiography was used to assess fracture healing. Comminuted patellar fracture was
the most common fracture type in both groups. Tension band wiring and cannulated screw
fixation were mainly used in the open and closed reduction groups, respectively. There
was no significant difference in the modified hospital for special surgery score,
visual analog scale score for pain, and range of motion between the two groups. The
mean union time was 3.2 and 3.0 months in open and closed reductions, respectively.
Postoperative knee stiffness was noted in five cases of open reduction and in three
cases of closed reduction. One patient in the open reduction group had a refracture.
There were no notable differences in treatment outcomes between open and closed reductions.
Thus, closed reduction may not be inferior to open reduction as a surgical treatment
for patellar fractures.
Keywords
patellar fractures - classification - surgical outcome - open reduction - closed reduction
