Sleeve fractures of the upper pole of the patella in children are rare; only 2 cases have been reported in the English literature and 1 case in the German literature. We present a case of this unusual lesion in order to stress the importance of being aware of the existence of upper pole sleeve fractures of the patella. We review the literature and we describe the symptoms, the clinical and radiological signs and the treatment. The diagnosis may be missed, the treatment is relatively simple and rewarding, and un- or mistreating this fracture leads to permanent disability.