Take care of your knees: Bipartite patella for knee pain

Bipartite patella

Also known as split patella, it is a common physiological phenomenon. In imaging examinations such as X-rays or CT scans, it can be observed that a normal person's patella has only one row, while a bipartite patella has two rows. This characteristic manifestation usually does not cause any symptoms, but may cause pain or discomfort when subjected to external pressure or injury.

Diagnosis and evaluation

The diagnosis of bipartite patella mainly relies on imaging examinations, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. Based on the results of these examinations, the doctor will evaluate the status of the bipartite patella, including whether there is pain, inflammation, or other complications. At the same time, the doctor will also conduct a comprehensive physical examination to understand the patient's pain level, mobility, and whether there are other potential diseases.

Image source: Pan Zixiang, Xing Xuewu. Diagnosis and treatment of bipartite patella. Chinese Journal of Surgery, 2016, 54(4):305-308.

Treatment recommendations

Generally, a bipartite patella does not require treatment if it does not cause any symptoms. However, if you experience pain or discomfort during exercise or daily life, you may need treatment such as:

Physical therapy: including cold compress, hot compress, massage, electrotherapy, etc., which can help relieve pain and inflammation.

Drug treatment: Doctors may prescribe over-the-counter or prescription drugs to help patients relieve pain and inflammation. Commonly used drugs include oral or topical Chinese medicine, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics, etc.

Surgical treatment: In extreme cases, if non-surgical treatment cannot relieve the patient's symptoms, surgical treatment may be required. Surgical methods include open reduction and internal fixation, arthroscopic reduction and fixation, etc.

Precautions

1. Maintain a healthy weight

Being overweight puts extra strain on your joints, which can cause pain and discomfort. Eat a healthy diet and keep your BMI within a normal range.

2. Exercise properly

Appropriate exercise helps maintain joint flexibility and stability, but strenuous exercise and overuse of joints should be avoided. Traditional Chinese health exercises, such as Tai Chi and Ba Duan Jin, are very suitable exercise therapies for knee joints.

3. Strengthen your muscles

By doing proper muscle exercises, such as swimming, cycling, etc., you can strengthen the muscles around the knee joint and help reduce the pressure on the patella.

4. Wear protective gear

When engaging in activities that may put pressure on the knee joint, such as running or fitness, you should wear appropriate protective gear to protect the patella and surrounding tendons and ligaments.

5. Avoid incorrect posture

If you maintain the same posture for a long time, it may cause unnecessary pressure on the patella. Try to avoid exercises that put too much pressure on the knee joint, such as long-term mountain climbing, repeated going up and down stairs, squatting, etc.

6. Maintain good living habits

Adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and moderate exercise can help maintain good health and prevent chronic pain.

7. Keep warm

In cold and wet weather, you should keep warm and avoid cold knee joints to reduce pain and inflammation.

8. Regular inspection

Perform imaging tests and physical examinations regularly to detect and treat possible problems.

In conclusion, it is very important for patients with bipartite patella to understand its physiological phenomenon and take appropriate preventive measures. If problems occur, they should seek medical attention and receive professional treatment in a timely manner. With correct diagnosis and treatment, pain and discomfort can be effectively relieved and the quality of life can be improved.

Author: Liu Jiancheng, attending physician, Western Theater Command General Hospital.

Reviewer: Mu Xiaohong, chief physician, executive deputy director of the Department of Clinical Orthopedics, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, director of the Fourth District of Orthopedics, Dongzhimen Hospital; deputy director of the Bone and Joint Committee of the Chinese Rehabilitation Medicine Association.