Patellar sleeve fracture: demonstration with MR imaging

Abstract

Purpose: To demonstrate the magnetic resonance (MR) imaging characteristics of patellar sleeve fracture, a cartilaginous avulsion from the lower pole of the patella occurring during forceful contraction of the quadriceps muscle against a partially flexed knee.

Materials and methods: The authors evaluated radiographs and MR images from three children with suspected sleeve fractures.

Results: Radiographs showed small bone fragments avulsed from the lower patella in two children and no bone abnormality in one. MR imaging demonstrated separation of most of the cartilaginous lower patella in all children, definite intraarticular extension in one, and possible intraarticular extension in another.

Conclusion: MR imaging can help determine the need for surgery by depicting the extent of cartilaginous injury and displacement of fracture fragments.