Treatment of a neglected displaced transverse patella fracture

A case of a displaced transverse fracture of the patella untreated for 2 years in a 67-year-old woman is presented. The patient requested treatment for giving way of the knee. Surgery included mobilization of the proximal fracture fragment, fixation with two cannulated screws, and repair of the medial retinaculum. The lateral retinaculum was left open to provide for better motion. At 1 year postoperatively, she ambulated with a cane, with range of motion examination revealing 5 degrees flexion contracture and 80 degrees flexion.