Case Report on Sleeve Avulsion of Patella in Young Adult

Sleeve avulsion of patella is extremely rare, limited almost to children. However, few cases have been reported in adults. Rarity of this fracture makes the diagnosis and choice of treatment difficult. Inability to raise leg remains important clinical sign for quadriceps mechanism insufficiency. In the absence of standard treatment guidelines pullout sutures through patella provides a secure and stable fixation option. Our case remains the first to be reported ever in English literature in a 23-year-old male with a superior pole avulsion patella being treated with Krakow pullout suture.

A 23-year-old Indian male was admitted with left knee pain and swelling following fall from bike. He had knee pain, swelling, and inability to bear weight. Active straight leg raising was not possible. On X-ray he had small bony sleeve visible near proximal pole of patella. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was done which showed sleeve avulsion of patella at proximal pole. Under spinal anesthesia fracture was exposed through midline approach. Pullout Krakow sutures were taken through quadriceps tendon and fracture fragments using 3 no Polyester suture. Transosseous tunnels were drilled in patella and tied distally. At 4 months patient had no extension lag with full range of movements. At 14 months follow-up patient is asymptomatic and able to run, squat, sit cross legged, and do his day-to-day activities.

Sleeve avulsion of patella in adults is extremely rare with only few cases reported in literature. MRI is not only useful for diagnosis but also for deciding treatment modality. Krackow technique with Polyester suture through quadriceps tendon incorporating fracture fragment passed through patellar transosseous tunnel provides secure fixation with excellent results. Also avoids any future hardware problems in this subcutaneous bone.