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.

Clinic for Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery Albert Ludwigs University of freiburg freiburg im breisgau Germany