What is a bipartite patella?

Bipartite patella is a condition that affects the patella or pin. Doctors estimate that approximately 1 percent of the population is experiencing a bipartite patella, but the number may be higher because the condition is usually asymptomatic. The patient often receives a diagnosis of bipartite patella when the knee is X -ray for some other reason.

The bipartite patella occurs when Kneecap does not move properly after birth. Rather than creating one bone, Kneecap is two separate bones connected by a piece of fibrous tissue. Kneecap is still working properly and accused any problems, the condition is not treated.

There are cases where someone suffers from bipartite patella develops symptoms and requires medical care. Tissue connecting two pieces of bone can be swollen or irritated. Symptoms include swelling in the area above Kneecap and pain when trying to fully extend or bend the knee.

Complications usually arise in Bipartite patella when the knee receives injury, impact or suffers from excessive use. The gentle nature of the tissue whoErá holds two parts of Kneecap, means that it does not require a huge impact on the way of damage. Many people are surprised when they develop knee pain that occurs disproportionate to the impact they have received. When this happens, the X -ray often reveals that the patient has a bipartite patella.

For minor pain that develops from excessive use, treatment is generally conservative. Anti -inflammatory drugs, rest and adjustment of many activities in which the patient participates in, may be enough to reduce inflammation and allow pain to disperse. More aggressive treatment is required if the knee pain does not disappear. These treatments include knee immobilization with ron or steroid injections.

After six months of treatment of less aggression, or if pain is due to direct trauma, the patient may require surgery. The first surgical option involves completely removing a smaller part of the bone from Kneecap, while the second includes relaxationMuscle that connects to a smaller piece of bone. Both of these options alleviate the pressure on the tissue connecting bones together.

For bipartite patella, which include two, relatively similar parts of the bone, the doctor may decide to leave both bones in place and attach them to each other. This reduces the chance that the patient will develop later as a result of the removal of a large part of the bone. Reducing pain and improving the range of knee movement usually occurs within one month after surgery.