Patella fractures associated with injuries of the knee ligament

Concurrent fractures of the patella and knee ligament ruptures are rare. From September 1985 to November 1989, 112 fractures of the patella were treated operatively at the Department of Traumatology at Celje General Hospital. In six patients (5%), associated badly injured ligaments of the knee joint were noted. During the operation, osteosynthesis of the patella was performed after the injured ligaments had been reconstructed. It is essential to examine the knee ligaments under general anesthesia before performing osteosynthesis of the patella. We have found no reports on this uncommon injury in the literature.