Objective:

To compare the efficacy and safety of prescription pattern in treatment of multifragmentary patellar fractures in a trauma reference center.

Material and methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional study of patient’s record with multifragmentary patellar fractures from December 2010 to December 2013, comparing treatments that include tension band wire, simple cerclage, double cerclage to bone-tendon junction and conservative treatment.

Results:

With a total of 92 patients, including 60 women (65.21%) and 32 men (34.78%), with an average age of 61 years. In the double cerclage, surgery time was shorter (average 38 minutes), and the range of motion showed improvement since the first month. Minor complications were observed in patients treated conservatively (arthrofibrosis).

Conclusions:

At our institution, the most efficient method was the double cerclage to the bone-tendon junction presenting shorter duration of surgery, less ischemic time and faster recovery with range of motion close to normal since the first month after surgery (p = 0.000). The safest method of treatment was conservative treatment, with fewer cases with complications (p = 0.184).