Chondral and osteochondral fractures after luxation of the patella and their treatment

Arch Orthop Trauma Surg (1978). 1980;97(3):207-11. doi: 10.1007/BF00389728.

Abstract

The traumatic luxation of the patella is the most frequent cause of osteochondral or chondral fragments in the knee joint. A precise case history most often provides the necessary reference concerning the occurrence of a luxation. The hemarthrosis and the painful reduction of the mobility after a closed spontaneous reposition hint towards the possibility of a chondral or osteochondral fracture requiring an emergency arthrotomy. If large chondral or osteochondral fragments are found intraoperatively, then a refixation of these fragments should be attempted. The following methods can be used: --a fixation with ASIF-mini screws --a fixation with Smillie pins --a fixation with cortical nails or --the removal. We will report about these methods being used at our clinic and will discuss the results. Many differing surgical methods are available for a causative treatment of the patella luxation. The application of the necessary method is dependent upon the age of the patient as well as on the pathological-anatomical circumstances. The differing methods will be described. The successful results of a refixation using a fibrin glue cannot be judged finally.

MeSH terms

  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / instrumentation
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / methods
  • Fractures, Closed / surgery
  • Humans
  • Joint Dislocations / surgery*
  • Patella / injuries*