Knee - Bipartite patella - AP

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Knee - Bipartite patella - AP

  • Bipartite patella - a normal variant - is often confused with a fractured patella
  • The smaller part is a separate ossification centre and is most commonly located superiorly and laterally - as in this case

The lateral image does not show a joint effusion

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The lateral image does not show a joint effusion

  • The 'cleft' between the 2 parts has a smooth cortical surface

Page author: Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust UK (Read bio)

Last reviewed: November 2018