Chronic Osteochondral Fractures of the Patella Managed with Open Reduction and Internal Fixation Yields Excellent Knee Function

Currently, the management of acute osteochondral fractures (OCFs) of the patella is well established. However, the management of chronic OCFs remains debatable, as it is not clear whether such lesions can be accurately reduced or whether they will reliably heal. With well proven results of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with headless compression screws (HCS) for acute OCFs, the application of this technique in late presenting cases is inconclusive. Thus, we present the clinicoradiological outcome of patients with chronic osteochondral injuries managed with ORIF. Fifteen patients who underwent surgical fixation by ORIF with HCS for chronic OCFs of the patella, between February 2013 and June 2018, were retrospectively analyzed after a mean follow-up of 3.8 years (range: 2-7 years). The mode of injury, size of the osteochondral fragment, and knee range of motion along with Kujala's scoring were examined clinically and radiological assessment was done by X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Fifteen patients (11 males and 4 females), with a mean age of 17 years with chronic OCF of patella were enrolled. Noncontact twisting injuries were the most common mode of injury seen in 86.66% of patients and postcontact injuries in two patients (13.33%). The mean time from trauma to presentation was 7 weeks (range: 6-14 weeks). The mean preoperative Kujala's score improved from 44 to 84.8 at 6 months and 92.6 at 2 years, postoperatively. Intraoperatively, the lesion was found in medial patellar facet in 12 patients and 3 had lesions in the central facet. The mean size of the lesion was 20 mm × 18 mm. Radiological union was observed in all patients, at a mean duration of 16 weeks (range: 12-20 weeks). One patient underwent implant removal 1 year after initial surgery for mechanical symptoms. ORIF of OCFs of the patella using headless cannulated screws is simple, reliable, reproducible, and provides satisfactory outcomes. This technique can be considered for fixation of fragments with adequate subchondral bone.