Patella Fracture: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatments

The patella (kneecap) is the bone at the front of the knee. Embedded within the quadriceps tendon and bridging the quadriceps muscle and tibia (shin bone), it protects the structures within the knee joint, provides essential support for various muscles, ligaments, and tendons, and is critical to the flexion and straightening of the leg.

A patella fracture is a break in the kneecap. This type of injury is nearly always caused by direct trauma to the knee joint and characterized by intense pain and swelling. Weight-bearing or walking may be extremely difficult or even impossible if a patella fracture has occurred, and deformities may be evident upon visual or physical examination of the kneecap.

If you are experiencing pain and swelling in the knee joint following a fall, sports injury, or other traumatic accident, having your knee examined by a medical professional is vital. At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, our award-winning team of doctors specializes in the treatment of patella fractures as well as a wide range of other knee joint issues. To receive a definitive diagnosis for your knee pain and take the first step toward a complete and lasting recovery, schedule a consultation at Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey today!

Types Of Patella Fractures

As with any bone break, a patella fracture can range from less to more severe, depending on the circumstances. At Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey, our world-class team may use the following terminology to describe and categorize your injury:

• Displaced Vs. Nondisplaced – A displaced (unstable) patella fracture is characterized by broken bone fragments that have separated significantly or shifted out of alignment. In a nondisplaced (stable) patella fracture, the bone fragments remain relatively aligned.
• Open Vs. Closed – In an open patella fracture, the skin has been broken and the bone is exposed through it. A closed patella fracture is characterized by a break in the kneecap underlying skin that has remained intact.
• Comminuted Fracture – In a comminuted patella fracture, the kneecap has been broken or shattered into three or more pieces.

Surgical Options For Patella Fracture

If a patella fracture is unstable, open, severe, or has not responded well to a conservative treatment approach, surgery may be recommended. The type of surgery performed for a patella fracture will depend on a variety of factors including the type and severity of the injury as well as whether or not damage has occurred to other structures within the knee joint.

Your surgeon at Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey will customize a surgical approach based on the specifics of your situation, age, overall health, and mobility goals. Procedures used to address patella fractures may include:

• Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) – Bone fragments are realigned and secured in place with hardware such as pins, screws, and/or wires.
• Partial or Total Patellectomy – Part or all of the kneecap is removed.
• Partial Knee Replacement – One of the knee joint’s compartments is replaced with prosthetic hardware.
• Knee Arthroscopy – The patella is repaired using a minimally invasive arthroscopic approach.

Recovery And Rehabilitation

The length of time it takes to recover after a patella fracture varies depending on the scope and severity of the injury, the age and overall health of the patient, and whether or not surgery was performed. On average, patients can expect to be able to resume most regular activities between 6-12 weeks after the initial injury. Proper rehabilitation with physical therapy is strongly encouraged to ensure the best outcome possible and reduce the risk of long-term symptoms.

For more detailed information about your projected recovery after a patella fracture, speak directly with one of our specialists at Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey.

Tips For Preventing Knee Injuries

It may not always be possible to avoid a patella fracture, but the following preventative measures can help to reduce your risk of experiencing this type of injury:

• Always warm up before physical activity
• Stretch regularly
• Lead a physically active lifestyle
• Strengthen the leg muscles
• Use proper technique for lifting and other strenuous activities
• Maintain a healthy body weight
• Wear stable, properly fitting footwear
• Take proper precautions when engaging in potentially risky activities

Schedule An Appointment

Ready to receive a definitive diagnosis and personalized treatment plan for your knee pain? The highly skilled and experienced team at Modern Orthopaedics of New Jersey is ready to help. Book your appointment today to learn more about patella fractures and take the first step on the road to recovery. We look forward to working with you!