Patella Fracture : A Randomized Controlled Trial

A Prospective Randomized Trial of Non-operative Versus Operative Management of Patella Fractures in the Elderly

This is a multi-centre, randomized controlled trial comparing operative and non operative treatment for displaced patella fractures in elderly, low-demand patients.

Patients with a displaced patellar fracture who meet the inclusion criteria and provide consent will be randomized to one of the two treatment arms. One group (Group A) will receive standardized non-operative treatment with immediate weight-bearing as tolerated in a knee immobilizer and early ROM exercises begun at 2 weeks post injury. The other group (Group B) will receive ORIF of their displaced patellar fracture with a standardized post-operative protocol.

Post-operative rehabilitation will be standardized across both groups. Patients will be weight bearing as tolerated immediately in a removable knee immobilizer, with progressive range-of-motion exercises begun at two weeks following surgery or randomization. The knee immobilizer will be used full-time (with the exception of removal for physiotherapy and bathing) for 6 weeks after surgery or randomization. At six weeks post-treatment, patients will be allowed to perform active extension and will initiate progressive strengthening exercises of the extensor mechanism.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male or female patients 65 years of age or older and ambulatory prior to injury (with or without walking aids).
• Closed fracture of the patella displaced by 5 mm or greater (Displacement will be determined by measuring the widest displacement on any x-ray view with the knee in full extension).
• The patient scores between 3 and 6 on the Clinical Frailty Scale. This score corresponds to a low-demand patient who is ambulatory and functionally independent
• Within 14 days of injury, the patient is able to perform a straight leg raise with less than 30 degrees of extensor lag.
• Able to read and understand the study consent form document.
• Willing and able to sign consent, follow the study protocol and attend follow-up visits.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Associated extremity injuries or polytrauma injuries that would otherwise require surgery or interfere substantially with rehabilitation or outcome in the opinion of the investigator.
• Neurovascular injuries at the level of the knee requiring surgery.
• Pathologic fractures.
• Periprosthetic fractures, or other knee surgery which would contra-indicate inclusion in the study (e.g. previous patella ORIF or previous surgery involving patella such as patella tendon or quads repair).
• Medical contra-indication to surgery.
• Likely problems, in the judgment of the investigators, with maintaining follow-up (e.g. patients with no fixed address, intellectually challenged patients without adequate support, etc.).