A bipartite patella pops up if thepatella, or kneecap, occurs as two separate bones.
Instead of fusing together in early childhood, the patella remains separated.
A bipartite patella is usually not a problem; it occurs in about 2-3% of the population.
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Sesamoid bones are enveloped within a tendon.
In some, a secondary ossification center forms, and this may not fuse with the primary ossification center.
In these people, the patella forms as two separate bones.
Signs of Bipartite Patella
Most people with this condition never have any symptoms.
The tissue that connects the two parts of bone is called a synchondrosis.
In people with no symptoms related to the bipartite patella, nothing further needs to be done.
An MRI can be helpful to determine the amount of inflammation surrounding the bipartite patella.
Treatment Options
In most cases, no treatment is needed for patients diagnosed with a bipartite patella.
Most surgeons recommend trying nonsurgical treatment options for a minimum of 6 months prior to considering any surgical solution.
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