[Avulsion fractures of the lower pole of the patella].
Fractures of the lower pole of the patella are rare and occur typically in children. In these types of fractures an extensive sleeve of cartilage is pulled off with a small bony fragment. The so-called sleeve fractures are often overlooked in plain radiographs. We describe the operative treatment and outcomes in two patients with sleeve fractures, one receiving early and one delayed treatment.A 12-year-old boy (case 1) sustained an indirect injury to the left knee while playing ball. Clinical examination showed a lag of active extension of the left knee without decrease in passive range of motion. At 9 years of age, a 12-year-old girl (case 2) sustained a direct blunt trauma to her right knee while playing ball. The lesion of the lower pole of the patella was not diagnosed in time. During the following 3 years a lag of extension of the right knee developed.The sleeve fracture diagnosed early was treated by open reduction and internal fixation with transosseous suturing. At the 6-month follow-up the knee had regained full range of motion. The sleeve fracture diagnosed late showed a nonunion of the patella resulting in a lag of extension. Even after 3 years a shortening osteotomy of the patella resulted in full range of motion of the right knee.
Seybold
D
D
Chirurgische Klinik und Poliklinik, Berufsgenossenschaftliche Kliniken Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-Universität, Bochum. dseybold@gmx.de
Hopf
F
F
Kälicke
T
T
Schildhauer
T A
TA
Muhr
G
G
D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007718:Knee Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D010329:Patella / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography; D016896:Treatment Outcome