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Patellar sleeve fracture: demonstration with MR imaging
D G Bates1, M T Hresko, D Jaramillo
1Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115.
Radiology
|December 1, 1994
Summary
Magnetic resonance (MR) imaging effectively visualizes patellar sleeve fractures, a cartilaginous injury. This imaging modality aids in surgical decision-making by detailing the extent of cartilage damage and fragment displacement.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Radiology
- Sports Medicine
Background:
- Patellar sleeve fractures are cartilaginous avulsions from the inferior patella.
- They result from forceful quadriceps contraction with a flexed knee.
Observation:
- Radiographs revealed bone fragments in 2 of 3 children; one showed no bone abnormality.
- MR imaging demonstrated cartilaginous separation of the lower patella in all cases.
Findings:
- MR imaging clearly depicted cartilaginous avulsion and displacement.
- Intraarticular extension was definite in one child and possible in another.
Implications:
- MR imaging is crucial for assessing the severity of patellar sleeve fractures.
- It guides surgical intervention by illustrating cartilaginous injury extent and fragment displacement.