Fact-sheet: Patella bipartita


Updated on 11/06/2024 at 4:43 PM

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Definition

A patella is termed bipartite when one of its fragments has failed to fuse with the rest of the bony structure.

Often the superolateral portion of the patella.

2% of the population

Clinical features

Classically asymptomatic. Occasionally pain in adolescents or young athletes.

Male predominance

Often bilateral

Radiography

Failure of fusion of a secondary ossification center with the primary ossification center

The fragments are corticated

Tripartite or multipartite patella may occur

MRI

In cases of micromotion, micro-geodes and subchondral edema at the margins of the synchondrosis

Possible necrosis of the bipartite fragment

Nuclear medicine

Possible uptake

Management

  • Medical treatment: NSAIDs, rest, physiotherapy
  • Surgical options if medical treatment fails: resection of the bony fragment, release of the vastus lateralis fibers or patellar retinaculum inserting on the fragment, fixation of the synchondrosis

Classification

  • Type I: distal pole (1-2% of cases)
  • Type II: lateral (20-25% of cases)
  • Type III: superolateral (75% of cases)