The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of the primary fixation of osteochondral fracture with bioabsorbable pins and wire, combined with a lateral release and a medial plication for fresh patellar fracture-dislocation from 1996 to 2003. Five patients (3 men and 2 women) were followed up for 6 to 80 months (mean : 33.2 months) after surgery. The mean age was 20.6 years (range : 12 to 39 years).
Bony union of the osteochondral fragments appeared on radiographs within 2 months in 4 patients,and in 3 months in 1 patient whose wire had broken. All patients had normal range of motion of the knee at final follow-up. There were no recurrences of patellar dislocation, but in 1 patient there was a recurrence of patellar subluxation and an apprehension sign. There was thigh muscle atrophy in 4 patients. Fibrillation of cartilage of the osteochondral fragments was found on arthroscopic examination. The results of the primary fixation of osteochondral fracture with bioabsorbable pins and wire, combined with a lateral release and a medial plication for fresh patellar fracture-dislocation were relatively good.
