ABSTRACT
Blunt trauma to the anterior knee typically results in a contusion or fracture of the patella. Additionally, injury to the extensor mechanism may come from a partial or full disruption of the patellar or quadriceps tendon. A professional baseball player suffered an injury to his knee after he collided with an outfield wall. Acute swelling in the suprapatellar soft tissues concealed a palpable defect, which initially was suspected to be an injury to the quadriceps tendon. Magnetic resonance imaging of the knee revealed an intact extensor mechanism; moreover, a fracture of the subcutaneous fat anterior to the quadriceps tendon was evident and diagnosed as a fat fracture.
Fat fracture is a rare diagnosis, and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported diagnosis in a professional athlete. Conservative management including, but not limited to, range of motion exercises, hydrotherapy, and iontophoresis effectively treated the athlete’s injury.
Blunt trauma to the anterior knee can result in a contusion or fracture of the patella, subluxation of the patella, and injury to the quadriceps or patellar tendon. Typically, a contusion or non-displaced fracture of the patella clinically presents with a direct anterior effusion and point tenderness. A displaced fracture or tendon deficit typically has an extensor lag or weakness in extension. Fat fracture or traumatic lipomata has been previously described in 1 case of anterior knee pain after blunt injury.1
In this article, we present the case of a 32-year-old professional baseball player who suffered a blunt injury to his left knee after collision with the outfield wall and experienced both anterior and medial knee pain. The patient provided written informed consent for print and electronic publication of this case report.
CASE
A 32-year-old outfielder for a professional baseball team was attempting a catch in the outfield when his left knee collided with the padded outfield wall in a semiflexed position. The player was able to walk off the field in the middle of the inning; however, he then experienced increasing pain and was unable to return to play. He had no prior history of significant knee pain or injury. He complained only of pain, with no instability or sensation of catching or locking.
Continue to: Physical examination of the patient...