Patella Fracture
A patella fracture is a break in the kneecap, the small bone at the front of the knee, it protects the joint and helps with straightening the leg. These injuries usually happen from a direct blow to the knee (such as a fall or accident) or from a sudden strong contraction of the thigh muscles.
Anatomy
The patella (kneecap) sits within the tendon of the quadriceps muscle and glides up and down as the knee bends and straightens. It acts like a shield for the knee joint and improves the efficiency of leg movement.
Patella Fracture
Symptoms
Typical symptoms include:
- Pain and swelling at the front of the knee
- Difficulty straightening the leg or lifting it off the bed
- Bruising or tenderness over the kneecap
- Sometimes a visible gap if the bone is broken into separate pieces.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will examine your knee and usually order X-rays to confirm the diagnosis. In some cases, a CT scan may be used to check the size and position of the bone fragments.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type of fracture and how well the bone pieces line up:
- Stable fractures (where the bone remains in position) can often be treated with a knee brace or cast, allowing the bone to heal naturally while keeping the leg straight.
- Displaced fractures (where the bone pieces have moved apart) usually require surgery to realign and fix the patella using wires, screws, or small plates.
Recovery
Healing typically takes about 6–8 weeks, followed by physiotherapy to regain movement, strength, and flexibility. Most patients return to normal activity over a few months, though recovery time depends on the severity of the fracture and the type of treatment.
Possible Complications
Most people recover well, but possible issues can include:
- Knee stiffness or weakness
- Pain when kneeling or climbing stairs
- Arthritis in the front of the knee
- Prominent metalwork (which sometimes needs removal once healed).
When to Seek Help
See a doctor urgently if you experience:
- Severe pain or swelling in the knee
- Inability to straighten or lift the leg
- Deformity or a feeling that the knee is unstable.
