J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2023 Feb;58(1):89-93. 10.4055/jkoa.2023.58.1.89 .

Superior Patellar Sleeve Fracture after Serial Knee Injuries

• Jung HJ
• Hyun CS
• Nam TS

• KMID: 2539507
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2023.58.1.89

Abstract

Sleeve fractures of the superior pole of the patella are rare but usually occurs in adolescents with an immature skeletal system. This paper reports a 15-year-old male who complained of knee pain after a bicycle accident. The initial radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging showed a bony bruise of the patella with signal change on the medial meniscus. After conservative treatment with immobilization for four weeks, he slipped down, and eccentric forced flexion of the knee was applied. This second injury caused a sleeve fracture of the superior pole of the patella. After splint immobilization for five weeks, the patient showed adequate function of the quadriceps and range of motion. Among the cases collected, some patients showed a similar history of sleeve fracture of the superior pole of the patella after serial knee injuries.

Keyword

sleeve fracture; patella; superior pole