Most authors report 70% to 80% good to excellent results following open reduction and internal fixation of fractures of the patella. As with most intraarticular fractures, the prognosis for healing and restoration of function in fractures of the patella is dependent on the amount of articular cartilage damage and exact reduction of fracture.

In order to document clinical results and describe any prognostic factors, we evaluated the results of 69 patellar fractures treated in 66 patients who had been treated with open reduction and internal fixation at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Nationanl Medical Center, from January 1990 to December 1994.

The average age at the time of surgery was 41.2 years(16 years-75 years) and the average follow-up time was 38.7 months(14 months-74 months).

The results were as fellows:

1. The mechanism of injury(traffic accident), concomittant inury of ipsilateral lower extremity, fracture morphology, immgbilization period less than two weeks and accuracy of reduction were significant prognostic factors.

2. Age and method of fixation were not significant prognostic factors.

3. The brisement of knee under general anesthesia was helpful, that had been performed following bony union.