Patellar Tendon Rupture in Floating Knee Injury: Case Report

Ipsilateral fractures of the femur and tibia result in a flail knee joint condition referred to as “floating knee”. Associated knee ligament injuries are common and have been reported to be frequently missed in initial evaluations. We report the diagnosis and treatment of the concomitant patellar tendon rupture during fixation of the distal femur and proximal tibia fractures in a patient who presented with floating knee and a history of osteomyelitis. This case further highlights the paramount importance of careful assessment of the knee in patients who present with floating knee injuries. We also recommend that MRI and ultrasonography be used to prevent ignored patellar tendon ruptures in such patients; particularly when physical exam is challenging or an intra-articular injury is present.