[Patellar osteochondral injury as onset of patellar instability]

Patellar osteochondral fractures with no dislocation are uncommon and usually affect the centromedial facet of the patella. We present the case of a 10 year-old, overweight, female patient. She was seen in the emergency room after suffering an accidental fall, assessed as an osteochondral fracture-dislocation of the right patella with upper-outer displaced free fragments. By patient interview, she referred to no previous episodes of patellar dislocation. To complete the study, we performed an MRI which showed a medial facet patellar fracture, with two osteochondral fragments located in the sub-quadricipital recess, associated with other lesions suggesting patellar subluxation. We considered that the best treatment was surgery, so the following was performed: an open reduction and internal fixation with absorbable bars, lateral patellar release (Ficat technique), patellar coverage by medial portion of quadriceps (Insall technique) and internal moving of the lateral half of the patellar tendon (Goldwaith technique). The injury was checked one year later using arthroscopy. It confirmed a good reconstruction of the articular surface, and right patellar centering. At follow-up, during the physiotherapy period, the patient began to have repeated episodes of instability in the contralateral patella. The CT scan confirmed the patellar lateralisation (TAGT 17). Centering surgery was indicated due to the occurrence of multiple dislocation episodes. The patient currently carries out normal physical activity and she has a complete range of movement. Patellar osteochondral fracture is an injury frequently associated with patellar instability, which may onset in the first episode. The medial location of the lesions and the involvement of the system of medial knee stability is a fundamental finding. This fact reinforces the diagnosis of pre-fracture patellar dislocation. This is not a fracture-dislocation, but a dislocation-fracture. We may, therefore, treat the injury and its cause.