Bi-partite

Written by Dr Sheila Strover on March 14, 2025

'Bi-partite' means 'in two parts', and in the knee world usually refers to a kneecap (patella) which is in two parts - a bi-partite patella. Page updated July 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

Bipartite patella or kneecap.
Not a fracture, but a 'bipartite' patella.

This image looks like a patellar fracture, but it is actually something called a 'bipartite patella' - where the embryonic components of the kneecap have failed to fuse properly as the person grew.

What is a bi-partite patella?

Found normally (without injury) in a small percentage of people, a true bi-partite patella usually has a larger part, comprising most of the patella, and a second smaller part connected to the other by strong fibrous tissue.

Very occasionally, a divided patella does occur as a result of injury when two pieces of a fractured (broken) patella fail to unite. This is correctly called a 'non-union' rather than a bi-partite patella.

"...[Bi-partite patella is} a rare cause of anterior knee pain due to the failure of the secondary ossification centers of the patella to completely fuse during adolescence....[it] occurs in 2% of the population with equal prevalence in males compared to females....often an incidental, asymptomatic finding on radiographs...."

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