Patella has important roles to enhance extensor mechanism of knee, therefore patellar fractures should be treated correctly according to the type and displacement of fractures for the preservation of patellar function.

The purpose of study is to analyse the clinical results of operative treatment for patellar fractures. 77 cases of patellar fracture which were treated at Chonnam University Hospital between June 1985 and March 1995 were reveiwed. Among them, 32 cases with open reduction and internal fixation were included in this study. The mean follow-up period was 21.5 months(range twelve to eighty two months). Oircurnferential wiring, modified tension band wiring, malleolar screws and combination of circlage and tension band wiring were used as a fixatives. The clinical results were compared according to Reileys clinical evaluation criteria mainly by range of motions, mid-thigh circumferential difference. The most favorable results could be obtained with the combination of circlage and tension band wiring.