Multifragment fracture of the patellar apex with extensive loss of skin: A case report

Introduction

Patella fractures account for 1 % of all skeletal fractures, and can interrupt the knee's extensor apparatus. They can also be serious if associated with a cutaneous opening. We report the case of a fracture of the tip of the patella with a large loss of cutaneous substance.

Case report

A 22-year-old man was admitted for the management of a left knee trauma following a motorcycle accident. Clinical examination revealed a large loss of skin substance on the anteromedial aspect of the knee, with exposed bone, pain and lack of extension of the left knee. Standard X-ray of the left knee showed an avulsion fracture of the tip of the patella. The patient underwent patellar tendon reconstruction using transosseous stitches, reinforced by a quadricipital tendon reversal plasty, and protected by steel-wire patellotibial cerclage. A medial gastrocnemius flap was used to cover the loss of skin substance. After a functional rehabilitation protocol, the functional results were satisfactory, with a full return to activity after six months.

Conclusion

The stability of osteosynthesis using quadricipital tendon reversal plasty and patellotibial cerclage allows mobilization and immediate weight-bearing. This may lead to better clinical results.