Patella fracture: Difference between revisions

(Text replacement - "fx " to "fracture ")
(Text replacement - "fx" to "fracture")
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==Background==
==Background==
*Occurs via direct blow or forceful contraction of quadriceps muscle
*Occurs via direct blow or forceful contraction of quadriceps muscle
*Do not confuse a bipartite patella with a fx
*Do not confuse a bipartite patella with a fracture


==Clinical Features==
==Clinical Features==

Revision as of 12:16, 8 July 2016

Background

  • Occurs via direct blow or forceful contraction of quadriceps muscle
  • Do not confuse a bipartite patella with a fracture

Clinical Features

  • Focal patellar tenderness, swelling, effusion
  • Check integrity of knee extensor mechanism by having patient perform straight-leg raise

Imaging

  • AP and lateral
    • Lateral view: Distance from tibial tubercle:lower pole of patella ~ length of patella +/- 20%
      • If greater than this suspect patellar ligament rupture
  • Consider skyline (sunset) view if suspect fracture of articular surface

Differential Diagnosis

Knee diagnoses

Acute knee injury

Nontraumatic/Subacute

Management

  • Nondisplaced w/ intact extensor mechanism: knee immobilizer, rest, ice
  • Displaced >3mm or disruption of extensor mechanism: above + early referral for ORIF

See Also

References