Download PDF
Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2018; 22(01): 081-094
DOI: 10.1055/s-0037-1608004
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

The Pediatric Patella: Normal Development, Anatomical Variants and Malformations, Stability, Imaging, and Injury Patterns

Ezekiel Maloney
1   Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
,
A. Luana Stanescu
1   Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
2   Department of Radiology, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
,
Anh-Vu Ngo
1   Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
2   Department of Radiology, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
,
Marguerite T. Parisi
1   Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
2   Department of Radiology, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
3   Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine and Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
,
Ramesh S. Iyer
1   Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
2   Department of Radiology, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
06 February 2018 (online)

Also available at
   Buy Article Permissions and Reprints
Zoom Image

Abstract

We discuss the pediatric patella, with an emphasis on diagnostic imaging. Topics include normal patellar development, anatomical variants and their physiologic significance, genetic syndromes that alter the appearance of the patella, physiology of patellar tracking and stability, patellofemoral instability, and injury patterns and classification. Recognition of appropriate development on imaging prevents diagnostic error and unnecessary evaluation. Knowledge of the pertinent features of syndromes associated with morphological patellar abnormalities can aid in generating a succinct and relevant differential diagnosis. In patellofemoral instability, the patient's baseline anatomy, factors that predispose to instability, and the specific injuries that occur as a result are critical considerations for determining the course of treatment. Patellar sleeve fractures are unique to pediatric patients, and timely identification is critical to achieving an optimal treatment outcome.

Keywords

pediatric patella - imaging - variants - instability - injuries