A series of 400 patellar fractures has been reviewed with a follow-up of three to 12 years. The continuity of the extensor apparatus had been interrupted in 73 per cent of cases and in 21 per cent the fracture was compound. The best results were obtained by conservative treatment with plaster, patellar suture or partial patellectomy. Total patellectomy, in contrast, only gave satisfactory results in one case out of two.