Patella Sleeve Fracture with Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Tear and Lateral Femoral Condyle Fracture in an Adolescent: A Case Report

JBJS Case Connect. 2021 Oct 20;11(4). doi: 10.2106/JBJS.CC.21.00232.

Abstract

Case: A 12-year-old boy sustained a patella sleeve fracture of the superior pole, medial patellofemoral ligament tear, and lateral femoral condyle fracture after a direct contact sledding injury. He was managed nonoperatively with 5 weeks of cylinder cast immobilization with transition to a hinged knee brace and physiotherapy. By 3 months, he returned to sport activity without patellar instability.

Conclusion: This is the first case to describe simultaneous development of these 3 injuries in an adolescent. We recommend that patients with patella sleeve fracture undergo magnetic resonance imaging to assess for local soft-tissue injury because this may influence treatment decisions.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Femoral Neck Fractures* / complications
  • Humans
  • Joint Instability* / surgery
  • Ligaments, Articular / surgery
  • Male
  • Patella / injuries
  • Patellar Dislocation* / diagnostic imaging
  • Patellar Dislocation* / therapy
  • Patellofemoral Joint* / diagnostic imaging
  • Patellofemoral Joint* / surgery