Patella fractures (knee)

A 39-year-old female slipped and fell while walking on ice onto her left lower extremity and left knee. Radiographs taken in our Emergency Department revealed a left-sided transverse patella fracture.

Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) was performed and the fracture was reduced and fixed using a tension band construct. She returned for regular follow-up and healed uneventfully.

At the time of her latest follow-up visit, 13 months following fracture surgery, she has excellent radiographic and clinical results including a healed patella fracture in excellent alignment, maintenance of fixation and joint space, resolution of pain, and a return to pre-injury activities.

Figure A, B
Figure C

Figure A, B

(A) Anteroposterior (AP) and (B) lateral radiographs revealing a transverse patella fracture.

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Figure C

AP and lateral radiographs 13 months following fracture surgery illustrating a healed patella fracture in excellent alignment.

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Tags: Broken Kneecap

Figure A, B

Figure C

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David L. Helfet, MD

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