Arthroscopic Bony Resection for Treatment of Symptomatic Bipartite Patella

Abstract

Bipartite patella is a common pathology, affecting 2% to 3% of the population. Usually these cases are bilateral and asymptomatic. However, a patient with a bipartite patella may complain of pain, which is most likely related to fragment mobility. Conservative treatment with physiotherapy, immobilization, and nonsteroidal drugs are encouraged during the initial 6 months following diagnosis. This option is effective in most patients. For patients who do not improve with these conservative measures, surgical intervention is indicated. Many surgical treatment options have been described including excision of the fragment, as well as fixation. Fragment excision has demonstrated positive outcomes and is associated with an asymptomatic return to sport activities. The purpose of this Technical Note is to describe our preferred arthroscopic technique for the treatment of symptomatic bipartite patella.