A Tibial Tubercle Fracture Masquerading as an Inferior Pole of the Patella Fracture.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-20-2023

Publication Title

Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Global Research & Reviews

Abstract

Pediatric tibial tubercle fractures are uncommon injuries that most often occur in adolescent men. Patients will typically present with anterior knee pain with or without patella alta. This case report describes a tibial tubercle fracture in a 13-year-old man misidentified as an inferior pole patella sleeve fracture on physical examination and preoperative radiographs. The tubercle reduction was secured with cannulated screws while injury to the patellar tendon periosteal sleeve was repaired with suture anchors. This case highlights the utility of advanced imaging when the etiology of extensor mechanism disruption is unclear. Furthermore, it is imperative to set expectations with parents and guardians that the full extent of the injury may only be confirmed under direct visualization in the operating room because of the complexity of such injuries.

Volume

7

Issue

1

DOI

10.5435/JAAOSGlobal-D-22-00029

ISSN

2474-7661

PubMed ID

36662798

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