Case report: The nest technique for management of a periprosthetic patellar fracture with severe bone loss

Periprosthetic patellar fracture with marked loss of bone stock presents a significant problem in total knee arthroplasty. Treatment outcomes are often unsatisfying and may lead to disruption of the extensor mechanism of the knee. We present a patient with a Type IIIb periprosthetic patellar fracture treated by a novel approach. Three Steinmann pins were used to reduce the patella and form scaffold for bone graft and a patellar button was cemented into the construct. At 7 years followup, the patient has maintained excellent range of motion, reports no knee pain, has healed the patella fracture, and has restored patellar bone stock.