Published Paper Details:

Title of the study: Conservative treatment of a 55 year old lady with bipartite patella: A Case report Abstract : Background and purpose: The knee joint is one of the most important weight bearing joints of the bony. Each knee joint bears 50% of the body weight. The knee joint comprises of the Femur, the Tibia and the Patella as its parts The Patella plays a significant role in the knee biomechanics by smoothly gliding over the anterior aspect of the knee. In some rare cases it is observed that patients report with a congenital defect of the patella called as bipartite patella. The incidence of this congenital abnormality is only 1 � 2%. Even though the incidence of such defect is very rare but it becomes a cause of disability for the person with the defect. The purpose of this case report is to present such a rare congenital defect of Patella and to suggest a protocol of conservative treatment which is proven beneficial for the patient. Study design: Case report Description of the case : A female aged 55 years reported to the clinic with history of severe right anterior knee pain , swelling and inability to walk properly since last 1 month. There was no complain with the left knee. The patient had a history of fall . The radiographic studies reveal that there is a Bipartiate Patella. Patient was treated with medication including Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and antacids along with Physiotherapy treatment. The Physiotherapy treatment included ice packs, Ultrasound therapy, Interferential therapy, Active assisted ROM exercises and Progressive resisted exercises. Outcome : The Pre treatment VAS score and Lysholm Knee scoring scale are noted . The patient was treated for a total period of 4 weeks with a frequency of 6 days in a week. It was observed that after treatment VAS grades decreased from 9 to 3 in the right knee. The Lysholm Knee Score scale grading improved from 63 to 82 . Following completion of 4 weeks the subject returned to complete functional activity with almost no pain and limitation. Discussion The present case is a rare disorder of Patella which is found in only 1 % of population . The condition is common in males then in females. As the defect is a rarer entity a proper understanding of the clinical presentation and the absolute way to manage the defect was the intention behind this study. In the study the patient presented with a unilateral anterior knee pain which was diagnosed as Bipartite patella. The problem was successfully managed with medication and physiotherapy as a conservative treatment. So it is evident that these defects can be well managed with conservative management.