Fractures of the patella in children

Fractures of the patella are relatively rare injuries for children. Fourtee n patients with patellar fractures were reviewed. There were 12 boys and tw o girls with the age ranging between 9 and 15 years and an average of 11.4 years. Sleeve fractures were the most common type of patellar fractures obs erved (eight cases), followed by transverse fractures (four cases) and comm inuted fractures (two cases). All the fractures were treated with open redu ction and followed up for 2 to 20 years. Overall results were good in 13 pa tients, and flexion limitation of the knee was seen in one. Fractures of th e patella in children are characterised by sleeve fractures. The prognosis of the patients treated with open reduction is generally good.