High return to sports rates after operative treatment of patella fractures

BackgroundPatella fractures are relatively rare fractures and only little is known about the postoperative return to sports after patella fractures.MethodsThis retrospective study presents information on functional outcome after operative treatment of patella fractures as well as time until return to sports and patients' complaints after open-reduction internal-fixation (ORIF) of patella fractures.ResultsOverall, 39 patients after ORIF of patella fractures were evaluated at our Level-I trauma center with a mean follow-up of 42 months. The mean time until return to sports was 7 +/- 3.9 months. No significant difference was found for functional outcome with respect to body mass index (BMI) or age. Fracture consolidation was accomplished after a mean of 6.9 +/- 2.9 months besides a relatively low complication rate of 5.1% (n = 2).ConclusionThe results demonstrate a high return to sports rate of 90.3%. However, only 51.6% were able to perform sports on their pre-injury level or above.Trial Registration The study was retrospectively registered at DRKS (No: DRKS00031146).ConclusionThe results demonstrate a high return to sports rate of 90.3%. However, only 51.6% were able to perform sports on their pre-injury level or above.Trial Registration The study was retrospectively registered at DRKS (No: DRKS00031146).

Automated summary

This retrospective study examined the functional outcomes and time to return to sports in 39 patients who underwent ORIF for patella fractures. The results showed a high return to sports rate of 90.3%, but only 51.6% of patients were able to perform sports at their pre-injury level or above.