• The Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Ultrasound Society
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• v.3 no.1
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• pp.26-31
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical usefulness of ultrasound in treatment of patella fracture. Material and Methods: Twenty cases of twenty patients with patella fracture radiographically from March, 2006 to September, 2009 were involved in this study, there were 8 males and 12 females, there were 13 right knees, 7 left knees, the average age was 43 years (range, 14~72 years). We decided the methods of treatment by using the ultrasound in conjunction with Drayer's test that examining the intactness of patella retinaculum. There were 10 transverse, 8 vertical and 2 comminuted fractures, we examined the patella retinaculum by using the ultrasound and performed Drayer's test. Results: In 12 cases of intact retinaculum, Drayer's test was negative and we allowed patients ambulation without surgical fixation especially. In 4 cases of completely ruptured retinaculum, Drayer's test was positive and we treated the patella fractures by the use of ORIF (open reduction and internal fixation) method, in 2 cases of partially ruptured retinaculum, Drayer's test was negative but displacement of fractures were more than 2 mm, we treated the patella fractures by the use of CRIF (closed reduction and internal fixation) method and obtained clinically satisfactory results. Conclusion: In conjunction with radiographs and Drayer's test, an ultrasound would be one of the useful diagnostic modality for determining treatment method of the patella fracture.