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Conservative Treatment of Patellar Frx



- Indications:
    - for undisplaced vertical, peripheral, comminuted, or even transverse frxs associated with 2 mm or less of step-off incongruity in
         articular surface, and/or less than 3 mm of fragment separation;
         - usually, the extensor mechanism is not totally disrupted at the time of such fractures;

- Treatment:
    - immobilization in a cylinder or an above-the-knee cast with the knee in extension has provided successful treatment;
    - 4-6 weeks of immobilization followed by gentle but progressive ROM and, later, quadriceps-strengthening exercises produces good 
          results.
    - while few degrees of extreme flexion are frequently lost, over-all result is a satisfied patient with little or no discomfort or disability