Patellar tendon lengthening for patella infera using the Ilizarov technique

Abstract

Patella infera can cause knee pain and lead to patellofemoral osteoarthritis. Treatment is usually unsatisfactory. We describe a case of severe patella infera after operative treatment for fracture of the patella. We used Ilizarov external fixation and gradual lengthening of the patellar tendon. The patellar height was restored and the patient's symptoms were much improved. © 2007 British Editorial Society of Bone and Joint Surgery.