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Transverse stress fracture of the patella: a case report
S Garcia Mata1, M Martinez Grande, A Hidalgo Ovejero
1Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Virgen del Camino Hospital, Pamplona, Spain.
Purpose:
A high index of suspicion is necessary to make the diagnosis of stress fractures in athletes. This is a case report of a soccer player who sustained a transverse stress fracture of the patella.
Case Summary:
The soccer player experienced mild discomfort to the patella for 1 month. He then developed severe pain after a twisting motion while playing soccer. Radiological examination showed an undisplaced transverse fracture of the patella. After immobilization in a plaster cast and rehabilitation, he returned to normal activity in 3 months.
Discussion:
Only six cases have been reported in the literature to date.
Relevance:
This case illustrates the need to consider a stress fracture when pain in the patella persists.