Sleeve fracture of the patella in children.

PURPOSE: To report the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes of sleeve patellar fractures in children.

METHODS: Records of a consecutive series of patients with sleeve patellar fractures were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS: Of the 11 children (8 boys and 3 girls; mean age, 12 years), 6 had minimally displaced fractures (1-2 mm) and were managed by cylindrical plaster of Paris immobilisation, whereas the other 5 with severely displaced fractures underwent open reduction with tension band wiring. The mean follow-up period was 10 (range, 3-36) months. All patients obtained full extension of the knee except one (with an extension lag of 10 degrees). No patient complained of pain or discomfort of the involved knee.

CONCLUSION: Sleeve patellar fractures in children are uncommon. Diagnosis can be missed, especially in those with a very small avulsed bony fragment. For undisplaced fracture, conservative management can achieve good results. For severely displaced fractures, early surgical intervention is effective.