Irreducible Vertical Dislocation of Patella Incarcerated into a Lateral Condyle Femur Fracture

Abstract

Rotational dislocations of patella around the horizontal and vertical axis are rare injuries. Unlike lateral patellar dislocations, which are easily reducible, closed reduction in vertical fractures is usually not possible due to increased tension within the quadriceps tendon. We present a case report of an 18-year-old male who presented with swelling and pain over the right knee following a road traffic accident. The clinical and radiological assessment showed a fracture of the lateral femoral condyle with dislocation of the patella, which was irreducible by closed methods. Computed tomography showed a lateral condyle femur fracture with concomitant dislocation of the patella rotated on its vertical axis and incarcerated into the fracture site. Closed reduction in these kinds of injuries is difficult, and open reduction of the patella and internal fixation of the fracture is recommended.

Keywords

• medial parapatellar approach
• open reduction
• vertical dislocation