Surgical management of non-union of neglected fractures of the patella.

Three cases of non-union of the patella with large gaps between the fragments are presented. The patients' ability to cope with the problem was not entirely satisfactory. Surgical management by mobilization of the patellar fragments and fixation using the tension band principle achieved union of the fracture in all three cases. The patients also recovered an excellent, pain-free range of movement and strength in the affected knees.