Open reduction combined with external compressive skeletal fixation was
used to treat twenty-seven patients who had a separated fracture of the
patella. Fixation was obtained by the use of two compressive clamps applied
to stainless-steel pins that were inserted just proximal and distal to the
proximal and distal poles of the patella. Range-of-motion exercises for the
knee were begun at two weeks and the pins were removed at three to four
weeks. All of the fractures healed. Twenty-four patients regained a range
of motion that was equal to that of the opposite knee. There was no
evidence of chronic osteomyelitis. Osteoarthritis was noted in one patient
who refused excision of a portion of the patella.