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Bipartite patella (H Saupe type III)

Case contributed by Subash Thapa
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Knee pain. No history of trauma.

Patient Data

Age: 50 years
Gender: Female

Small bony fragment noted in the superolateral aspect of the right patella with smooth margin without sclerotic changes.

Case Discussion

Bipartite patella is a result of the failure of fusion of a secondary ossification center and should not be mistaken for patella fracture:

  • no history of trauma
  • located superolaterally (type III is by far the most common type occurs in 75%)
  • have rounded and smooth border without sclerosis
  • contralateral knee x-ray may have similar findings because bipartite patella is bilateral in 50% cases

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