Patellar fracture is a complete or incomplete break of the kneecap (patella). Most fractures of the patella are accompanied by sprain or rupture of ligaments, ligament-like tissue (retinaculum), or tendons attached to the patella.
Frequent Signs and Symptoms
- Severe pain in the knee at the time of injury
- Tenderness and swelling in the knee
- Pain when trying to move the knee
- Inability to straighten a bent knee under its own power
- Catching or locking of the knee
- Bleeding and bruising in the knee
- Difficulty in bearing weight on the injured extremity, especially when trying to get up from a sitting position, go up or down stairs, or jump
- Visible deformity if the fracture is complete and the bone fragments separate enough to distort normal leg contours
Etiology (Causes)
- Typically results from a fall directly on the patella and the front of the knee
Initial treatment consists of medications, elevation of the leg, and ice to relieve pain and reduce swelling. Cast or brace immobilization, especially if the fracture is in proper alignment and position, is performed. Surgery is usually recommended to reduce the fracture into proper alignment and position if the joint surface is not smooth. This is done by using wires or screws to fix the fracture and restore the joint surface’s smoothness. After immobilization (with or without surgery), stretching and strengthening of the injured and weakened joint and surrounding muscles (due to immobilization and the injury) are necessary. These may be done with or without the assistance of a physical therapist or athletic trainer.