# Concurrent Undisplaced Patellar Fracture and Posterior Cruciate Ligament Avulsion Fracture Managed With Surgical Fixation and Rehabilitation: A Case Report

**Authors:** Nikita Gangwani, Pratik Phansopkar

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.64931 · Cureus · 2024-07-19

## TL;DR

A rare case of combined patellar and PCL injuries was successfully treated with surgery and rehabilitation, leading to significant recovery.

## Contribution

A successful case report on managing a rare concurrent patellar and PCL injury with surgical and rehabilitative approaches.

## Key findings

- Surgical fixation with a cannulated cancellous screw effectively managed the PCL avulsion fracture.
- A three-phase rehabilitation program significantly improved knee function and daily activity capability by week 12.

## Abstract

This case report explains the successful management of a rare, combined injury: an undisplaced patellar fracture and a posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) avulsion fracture at the tibial attachment in a 44-year-old male patient following a motorbike accident. While both injuries are frequently seen in orthopedic practice, their concurrent occurrence is uncommon. The patient presented with significant knee swelling, limited range of motion, and pain following the accident. An X-ray revealed a patellar fracture and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirmed an undisplaced fracture, a PCL tear, and a medial meniscus injury. The patient underwent surgical intervention for PCL fixation with a cannulated cancellous (CC) screw under spinal anesthesia. Following surgery, a comprehensive rehabilitation program was implemented, focusing on pain management, reducing swelling, regaining range of motion, and strengthening the surrounding musculature. The program progressed through three phases, steadily increasing the intensity and complexity of exercises. The patient exhibited significant improvement in pain, swelling, range of motion, and muscle strength throughout the rehabilitation program. By week 12, he had achieved near-normal knee function and was able to resume most daily activities.

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** swelling (MESH:D004487), Patellar Fracture (MESH:D031222), PCL tear (MESH:D000070598), knee swelling (MESH:D007718), Fracture (MESH:D050723), motorbike accident (MESH:D000081084), pain (MESH:D010146), medial meniscus injury (MESH:D000070600)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

4 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11330655/full.md

## References

20 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11330655/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11330655