# Inferior Pole of the Patella Fracture Fixed by Percutaneous Approach: A Case Report

**Authors:** Abhishek Nair, Ashwin Deshmukh, Swaroop Solunke, Shubhankar Chopra, Archit Gupta

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.66013 · Cureus · 2024-08-02

## TL;DR

A 70-year-old woman with a rare patella fracture was successfully treated using a minimally invasive surgical technique, leading to good recovery.

## Contribution

This case report demonstrates the successful use of a percutaneous approach for inferior pole patellar fractures.

## Key findings

- Percutaneous fixation with cannulated screws effectively managed a displaced inferior pole patella fracture.
- The patient showed satisfactory knee function recovery at six weeks post-surgery.
- Minimal residual symptoms were observed following early mobilization and rehabilitation.

## Abstract

Fractures of the inferior pole of the patella are rare but challenging orthopedic injuries. This case study presents the management of such a fracture using a percutaneous approach. A 70-year-old female patient presented with significant knee pain and swelling following a fall. Radiographic examination revealed a displaced fracture of the inferior pole of the patella along with an ipsilateral tibial plateau fracture. Surgical intervention was deemed necessary due to the extent of displacement and the potential for compromised knee function. A percutaneous technique was employed for fracture reduction and fixation using cannulated screws under fluoroscopic guidance. Postoperative rehabilitation focused on early mobilization and strengthening exercises. At a six-week follow-up, the patient demonstrated satisfactory clinical outcomes with restoration of knee function and minimal residual symptoms. This case highlights the efficacy of percutaneous fixation in managing inferior pole patellar fractures, offering a minimally invasive approach with favorable functional outcomes.

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** of the Patella (MESH:D000092462), Fracture (MESH:D050723), tibial plateau fracture (MESH:D000092463), orthopedic injuries (MESH:D009140), knee pain (MESH:D046788), swelling (MESH:D004487), patellar fractures (MESH:D031222)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

5 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11366404/full.md

## References

4 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11366404/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11366404