Fractured Patella

Ray Ballinger, MD, PhD

Straub Clinic and Hospital

rballinger at straub.net

Abstract

78 y/o woman who fell

Keywords

plain msk trauma fracture

History and Images

78 y/o woman who fell while walking.

Findings

A comminuted transverse fracture of the patella is noted; best seen on the lateral view.

Diagnosis

Fractured Patella

Discussion

50-80% of all fractures of the patella are transverse; usually occuring from a severe contraction of the quadriceps muscle during trauma. Longitudinal and stellate fractures make up the rest; usually resulting from direct injury.