Ultrasound Detection of Patellar Fracture and Evaluation of the Knee Extensor Mechanism in the Emergency Department

Traumatic injuries to the knee are common in Emeregncy Medicine.Bedside ultrasound has benefits in the rapid initial detection of injuries to the patella. In addition, ultrasound can quickly detect injuries to the entire knee extensor mechanism, including the quadriceps tenson and inferior patellar ligament in addition to the patella, that can be difficult to diagnose with plain radiographs. While MRI remains the gold standard for diagnostic evaluation of the knee extensor mechanism, this can be difficult to obtain from the Emergency Department. Clinicans caring for patients with orthopedic injuries of the knee will benefit from incorporating of musculoskeletal bedside ultrasound into their clinical skills set.