Sleeve fracture of the patella with lateral slip of the retinaculum

Abstract

Adolescents are susceptible to patellar sleeve fractures. We present an interesting case of a patellar sleeve fracture in an 11-year-old child with lateral slip of the retinacular sleeve. Clinical assessment was difficult; however, an MRI scan confirmed the diagnosis. Surgical repair was undertaken, and the retinacular sleeve was repaired along with repair of the patellar tendon. The patient recovered well after surgery and underwent physiotherapy. A patellar sleeve fracture should always be suspected in patients less than 16 years of age, particularly in those with indirect acute trauma to the knee. Prompt surgical repair is important to achieve full functional recovery.

Inferior Pole Sleeve Fracture of the Patella in an Adolescent: A Case Report

“…Owing to the small size of the fracture fragments in this type of trauma, selecting a method or material for internal fixation is often difficult. Various techniques for anatomical reduction and rigid fixation have been reported, including tension band wiring, transosseous sutures, intraosseous anchor sutures, and wire fixation as an augmentation, depending on the size of the osteochondral fragment [ 1 , 13 , 14 ]. If the fragment is too small to fix rigidly, transosseous or intraosseous anchor sutures should be considered [ 15 ].…”