The diagnosis of the orthopedist who saw this case was bipartate patella. However, the radiologist suspected that this was in fact a fracture.
Nonetheless, the orthopedist felt that it was not a fracture because (a) the pain was not over the patella and (b) comparison with old films (which the radiologist had not seen) showed that nothing
had changed on the new films.
This is a perfect example of the need to have as much relevant clinical information as possible, and the importance of accessing old films when available.
Without this information, neither the orthopedist nor the radiologist could have given an absolute final diagnosis. This case also reminds us of the need to provide all of the clinical information to the radiologist in all cases.
Interestingly, both the orthopedist and the radiologist noted that the patient should have a CT to confirm the status of the patella.