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 non-steroidal drugs are encouraged during the initial 6 months following diagnosis. This option is effective in most patients. For patients that 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. This is my preferred arthroscopic technique for the treatment of symptomatic bipartite patella.
Arthroscopic Bony Resection for Treatment of Symptomatic Bipartite Patella