Bilateral central bipartite patella in an eight-year-old male: a novel variant challenging existing classification

Abstract

Bipartite patella is a rare developmental anomaly, often incidentally detected, with an incidence of 1-6% and bilaterality in approximately 50% of cases. The Saupe classification describes three fragment locations inferior, lateral and superolateral but central variants remain unreported. An 8-year-old male presented with right knee pain and swelling following trauma. Radiographs revealed a central bipartite patella. Imaging of the contralateral knee demonstrated a similar bilateral central pattern. There was no prior history of trauma, infection or functional limitation. Symptoms resolved within three days with conservative management and the patient regained full function. This case describes a previously unreported bilateral central bipartite patella, suggesting the need to expand current classification systems to include such variants and avoid misdiagnosis.