[Fractures of the patella].

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Abstract

[Indexed for MEDLINE] 16. Cureus. 2025 Oct 14;17(10):e94600. doi: 10.7759/cureus.94600. eCollection 2025 Oct. Patellar Fractures: A Clinical Narrative Review. Ali-Qazalbash ZM(1), Quzli AA(1), Ali-Qazalbash Z(2), Alkhatib SA(3), Quzali RA(4). Author information: (1)Trauma and Orthopaedics, Wirral University Teaching Hospital National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Birkenhead, GBR. (2)Emergency Medicine, Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi, PAK. (3)Internal Medicine, Liverpool University Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, Liverpool, GBR. (4)Physiotherapy, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company (SEHA), Abu Dhabi, ARE. Patellar fractures are common knee injuries that can severely compromise the extensor mechanism of the knee. They may result from direct trauma, indirect quadriceps contraction, or high-energy impacts. A sound understanding of their anatomy, biomechanics, and fracture patterns is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective management. This review summarises the current evidence on patellar fractures, covering anatomy, clinical evaluation, imaging, classification, and treatment. Both conservative and surgical treatments are discussed, such as tension-band wiring, screw fixation, plate osteosynthesis, and patellectomy, along with rehabilitation protocols and outcomes. Fractures with minimal displacement and an intact extensor mechanism can generally be treated successfully without surgery, with immobilisation and early physiotherapy, and many patients regain good function. Displaced or complex fractures generally require operative fixation, and outcomes have been enhanced by advances in imaging and plating technology. The most frequent complications are hardware irritation and re-operation; quadriceps weakness and post-traumatic arthritis can also affect long-term function. Optimal management of patellar fractures depends on careful consideration of fracture pattern, extensor mechanism integrity, and patient factors. Individualised treatment and careful follow-up allow most patients to achieve satisfactory functional recovery, although potential complications should be expected and managed. Copyright © 2025, Ali-Qazalbash et al. DOI: 10.7759/cureus.94600 PMCID: PMC12576355