Purpose: This study aimed to identify the most effective method for the treatment of the symptomatic bipartite patella.
Methods: A systematic review of the literature was completed, and all studies assessing the management of a bipartite patella were included. Owing to the paucity of randomised controlled trials, a narrative review of 22 studies was completed. A range of treatments were assessed: conservative measures, open and arthroscopic fixation or excision and soft tissue release and excision.
Results: All of the methods provided results ranging from good to excellent, with acceptable complication rates.
Conclusions: This is a poorly answered treatment question. No firm guidance can be given as to the most appropriate method of treating the symptomatic bipartite patella. This study suggests that there are a number of effective treatments with acceptable complication rates and it may be that treatments that conserve the patella are more appropriate for larger fragments.
Level of evidence: IV.
Keywords: Bipartite; Multipartite; Patella.