Is a bipartite patella serious?
Bipartite patella is usually an asymptomatic, incidental finding. However, in adolescents, it may be a cause of anterior knee pain following trauma or a result of overuse or strenuous sports activity. Most patients improve with nonsurgical treatment. Surgery is considered when nonsurgical treatment fails.
What is a bipartite patella?
A bipartite patella forms when a portion of the patella does not completely heal along the bony edges of the patella. Most commonly, this is in the upper and outer (superolateral) portion of the patella. Bipartite patella is quite common, usually asymptomatic, and is found in 2% of the population on x-rays.
What is a bipartite bone?
Bipartite patella is a congenital condition (present at birth) that occurs when the patella (kneecap) is made of two bones instead of a single bone. Normally, the two bones would fuse together as the child grows but in bipartite patella, they remain as two separate bones.
What is the most common type of patellar fracture?
The most common fracture pattern is a simple 2-part diversion caused by a direct blow (i.e. dashboard injury). As a result of the bony lesion the extensor mechanism of the knee joint can become insufficient.
Does bipartite patella cause problems?
However, in 2% of cases, bipartite patella does go on to cause problems. This usually happens when the cartilage tissue between the bones, the synchondrosis, is damaged, causing irritation and inflammation. This is usually from a direct blow to the front of the knee, a fall or repetitive overloading at the knee.
Is bipartite patella painful?
Most bipartite kneecaps don’t have symptoms. However, a small percentage of cases become painful. The two bones are joined by fibrous tissue, also called synchondrosis. Generally, bipartite patella becomes painful after direct trauma or repetitive strain to the synchondrosis.
Is bipartite patella a fracture?
Bipartite patella fracture is an uncommon injury that has rarely been described in the literature. It can be quite debilitating in the competitive athlete and is often overlooked by the treating physician.