[Diagnostic image (259). A man with knee pain]

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic surgery
• Sports medicine

Background:

• Bipartite patella is a common condition where the kneecap fails to fuse.
• It can lead to anterior knee pain, particularly in active individuals.

Observation:

• A 23-year-old male presented with persistent knee pain.
• Diagnostic imaging confirmed a symptomatic bipartite patella, specifically involving the lateral fragment.

Findings:

• The patient's knee pain was attributed to the symptomatic bipartite patella.
• Surgical excision of the small lateral fragment was performed.

Implications:

• Surgical intervention can effectively alleviate pain associated with symptomatic bipartite patella.
• This case highlights the importance of considering bipartite patella in young athletes with knee pain.