Treatment Outcome of Patellar Fractures Across Two Tertiary Centers: A Five-Year Retrospective Study.

Abstract

<h4>Background</h4>Fractures of the patella, though not so common, are prone to complications. Injuries to the patella often disrupts the extensor mechanism of the knee and increases the likelihood of patella-femoral joint incongruence. The aim of this study was to determine the outcome of treatment of patella fracture in two tertiary health institutions in South-south Nigeria.<h4>Methodology</h4>A retrospective descriptive study was conducted among patients who had patella fractures over a five-year period, using hospital records. The data obtained were analyzed and formed into tables, charts and figures.<h4>Results</h4>Thirty-nine patients were recruited into the study. Patella fractures were most predominant in the age bracket 31-40 years (30.8%), while the least was noted in the age group 61-70 years (5.1%). Road traffic accidents were the most common etiological factor (53.8%). Majority of the patients had transverse fractures (61.5%), while severely committed fractures constituted the least (2.6%). Four patients (10.3%) had open fractures. Majority of the patients had surgical treatment with tension band wiring (25 patients). The outcomes were good within the period of follow-up.<h4>Conclusion</h4>The result showed that patella fractures are common in young population. Patients receive optimum care with good outcome in the two centers involved in this study.