Transverse stress fracture of the patella: a case report.
OBJECTIVE
A high index of suspicion is necessary to make the diagnosis of stress fractures in athletes. This is a case report of a soccer player who sustained a transverse stress fracture of the patella.


METHODS
The soccer player experienced mild discomfort to the patella for 1 month. He then developed severe pain after a twisting motion while playing soccer. Radiological examination showed an undisplaced transverse fracture of the patella. After immobilization in a plaster cast and rehabilitation, he returned to normal activity in 3 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Only six cases have been reported in the literature to date.


CONCLUSIONS
This case illustrates the need to consider a stress fracture when pain in the patella persists.
Garcia Mata
S
S
Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Virgen del Camino Hospital, Pamplona, Spain.
Martinez Grande
M
M
Hidalgo Ovejero
A
A
D000328:Adult; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005592:Fracture Fixation; D015775:Fractures, Stress / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain; D010329:Patella / Q000293:injuries*; D011859:Radiography; D012916:Soccer / Q000293:injuries*