Bilateral Patellar Stress Fractures in a Skeletally Immature Athlete: A Case Report
William F Scully1, Maj Jacob C Rumley2, Paul M Caskey3
1Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Clinic, Akron, Ohio.
Case:
This report describes the divergent course and management of bilateral patellar stress fractures in a 17-year-old skeletally immature male athlete. Beginning as bilateral incomplete tension-sided patellar fractures, the right patella healed uneventfully, whereas the left progressed to a complete, mildly displaced transverse fracture that eventually healed with nonoperative treatment measures to include temporary bracing, physical therapy, and vitamin D supplementation.
Conclusions:
Patellar stress fractures are exceptionally rare, particularly bilateral injuries in the pediatric population. Diligent workup is necessary for appropriate diagnosis, whereas knowledge of the salient features of these injuries is useful in treatment.
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