Surgical Management of a Tripartite Patella in an Adolescent: A Case Report

A 15-year-old adolescent boy presented with acute on chronic right knee pain and imaging findings consistent with a tripartite patella. Despite initiation of activity modification and physical therapy, the patient remained symptomatic, ultimately requiring excision of the accessory ossicles. This case represents a rare instance of a symptomatic tripartite patella that did not respond to conservative measures, ultimately requiring surgical removal. Near-complete resolution of symptoms was observed 3 months later with continued full participation in athletic activities 10 months post-operatively.

Tripartite patella are scarce entities, yet surgical excision remains an effective treatment option when conservative modalities fail.