What is a Patella Fracture?
The patella or kneecap is a small bone that protects the knee and connects the large thigh muscles to the tibia or shin bone. A patella fracture is an impact injury that breaks the patella into two or more parts.
Common Causes:
Different types of patella fractures are:
- Stable nondisplaced fracture.Fractured bone pieces remain very close.
- Displaced fracture. Fractured bone pieces separate and do not line up properly.
- Comminuted fracture. The patella is shattered into three or more pieces.
- Open fracture. The patella breaks and sticks out of the skin.
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Difficulty straightening the knee
- Difficulty standing or walking
When you arrive for your initial consultation, Orthopedic Physicians Alaska (OPA) team of knee specialists will evaluate your areas of concern, discuss your symptoms, and develop a customized and comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. This evaluation is a necessary part of diagnosing your condition and providing the best possible care.
Once an official diagnosis is made, a customized treatment plan is prescribed. Treatment plans decrease symptoms as quickly as possible.
Common Treatments:
Nonsurgical treatment options treat most stable nondisplaced fractures.
NSAIDs
Decrease inflammation and pain.
Orthotics
Cushion the knee while standing, walking, and running.
Physical Therapy
OPA approved physical therapist will provide exercises to strengthen the collateral ligament and surrounding muscles, ligaments and tendons.
Surgery may be recommended to treat some patella fractures. During an open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) procedure, an OPA specialist reduces the fracture and fixates it with screws and flexible wires. A brace is worn after surgery while the bone heals.
