Journal Article

Management of a Comminuted Patellar Fracture in a Child Using a Titanium Claw Plate: A Case Report

Oubejja, Houda, Ettayebi, Fouad, Erraji, Mounir, Bensaghir, Hamza, Ben Driss, Chaimae

2025

Overview

Comminuted patellar fractures are rare in pediatric populations, often resulting from high-energy trauma such as sports or road accidents. Surgical management is essential to restore the articular surface and extensor mechanism of the knee. However, achieving anatomical reduction and rigid fixation can be challenging, potentially leading to poor functional outcomes. We report the case of a 12-year-old boy who sustained a comminuted patellar fracture following a motorcycle accident. The patient presented with significant knee swelling, pain, and inability to bear weight. Radiographs and a CT scan confirmed the diagnosis. Surgical fixation was performed using a titanium claw plate, a novel approach in pediatric cases. Postoperative rehabilitation led to full knee mobility within three months. Traditional methods such as tension band wiring are associated with complications such as skin irritation, loss of fixation, and symptomatic hardware. The titanium claw plate offers advantages such as shape memory effect, superelasticity, and biocompatibility, making it a promising alternative for pediatric patellar fractures. Comminuted patellar fractures in children require surgical intervention to ensure optimal functional outcomes. The use of a titanium claw plate represents an innovative and effective treatment option, as demonstrated in this case. Further studies are needed to validate its long-term efficacy.

• Publisher: Cureus
• Subject: Orthopedics / Pediatric Surgery / Trauma