Treatment of the knee stiffness caused by partial patellectomy--technical tricks.

Partial patellectomy is advised in treating comminuted fractures of patella when accurate reduction and stable fixation cannot be achieved. Usually, after partial patellectomy, the tendon-to-bone junction requires prolonged protection. One of the effects of the prolonged immobilization is lack of knee flexion. Stiffness of the knee was treated with manipulation under anaesthesia. In order to protect patellar ligament insertion to the patella remnant, a Steinmann pin was put through tibial tuberosity, a metal wire was pulled through the patella remnant and tied firmly to the pin. Gentle manipulation was performed and full flexion of the knee was achieved without damaging bone ligament complex.