[Resection of the patella and plasty of the knee by the de la Caffiniere method].

The surgical technique of patellectomy with preservation of continuity of the extension apparatus of the knee by the de la Caffinière method and the early results of treatment in 8 operated on patients have been presented. The indications for surgery were: posttraumatic stiffness of the knee in extension in 4 patients, patello-femoral arthrosis with preserved wide range of movement in 3 patients, fresh multi-fragmented fracture of the patella without rupture of the extension apparatus in one patient. The good treatment result was obtained in 6 patients (3 treated for patello-femoral arthrosis, 1 for fresh fracture of the patella, and 2 for stiffness of the knee in extension). The poor results in the other 2 patients operated on or stiffness of the knee in extension were due to large damage of the cartilaginous surface of the condyles and extensive intra- and periarticular adhesions.