Sinding-larsen johansen syndrome

(C M F Sinding-Larsen, Norwegian surgeon, born 1874; S. Johansen, born 1880, Swedish surgeon), proximal patellar tendonitis secondary to repetitive microtrauma and possible traction aphophysitis of the distal pole of patella. The likely mechanism involves chronic impingement. The condition is most commonly seen in boys aged 911 years of age. Clinical examination reveals point tenderness at the inferior pole of the patella and symptoms typically resolve with conservative treatment.

Conventional radiographs may show fragmentation of the inferior pole of patella (Fig.1). Ultrasound may likewise show fragmentation of the inferior pole of patella but also demonstrates the proximal patellar tendonitis with thickening of the tendon and heterogeneous hypoechogenicity within. Sinding-Larsen Johansen syndrome should be distinguished from a sleeve fracture which represents an acute avulsion injury of the knee extensor mechanism and may be demonstrated on radiographs or ultrasound as a fracture of the inferior pole of the patella.

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