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Bipartite patella

Case contributed by Mostafa Elfeky
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Anterior knee pain.

Patient Data

Age: 30 years
Gender: Female

Right patella

ultrasound

A rounded osseous bone fragment is seen at the upper lateral border of the patella with mild tenderness. 

x-ray

A small rounded osseous bone fragment is seen at the upper outer corner of the right patella, representing bipartite patella.

Case Discussion

Bipartite patella is unfused accessory ossification center at upper outer corner of the patella. It may be discovered incidentally or when symptomatic causing anterior knee pain. It is attached to patella by fibrocartilaginous tissue which is responsible of pain when disrupted by exposure to trauma. Pain can persist as it cannot heal by bone union.

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