[Injuries of the knee extensor complex in children]

Fractures of the knee extensor complex are relatively rare injuries in children. We distinguish between a pure tendon rupture and ruptures with bony avulsions. A mid-substance tear in children is a relatively rare injury, whereas bony avulsions due to skeletal immaturity are seen more often. Sole bony fractures of the patella also only account for a low number of paediatric related fractures. Sleeve fractures are characterized by an avulsion of cartilage and, usually, bone pulled off from the distal patella pole. Avulsion fractures of the tibia tubercle are found in the group of sportive adolescents.

Especially dislocated fractures should be conveyed to surgical therapy to avoid excessive bone callus. Timely diagnostics and an efficient and consistent treatment are recommended. Deformities and dislocated avulsions will regularly not remodel spontaneously during further growth. Therefore, it is mandatory to reconstruct the articular surface and the knee extensor complex to avoid future complications such as osteoarthritis or elongation of the knee extensors.