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Patella Fracture

(Broken Kneecap; Fracture, Patella; Kneecap Fracture; Patellar Fracture)

Pronounced: pah-TEL-ah FRAK-choor
by Cynthia M. Johnson, MA

Definition

A patella fracture is a break through the large, movable bone at the front of the knee.

The Kneecap

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Causes

Causes may be:

  • A blow to the knee
  • A fall onto the knee
  • Forced stress on the muscle that extends the knee

Risk Factors

This problem is more common in men. Other things that may raise the risk are:

  • Participation in contact sports such as football and soccer
  • Having health problems that weaken bones, such as osteoporosis
  • Low muscle mass

Symptoms

Patella fracture may cause:

  • Knee pain and swelling
  • Problems moving the knee and walking

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done, paying close attention to the knee.

Images will be taken of your knee. This can be done with:

Treatment

Treatment will depend on how severe the injury is. It can take weeks to months to heal. Medicine will be needed to ease swelling and pain. Other options are:

Without Surgery

A mild fracture may be treated with a cast to keep the knee from moving as it heals. A brace, cane, or crutches may be needed after the cast comes off. Exercises will also need to be done to promote strength and movement.

Surgery

Some people may need surgery if the patella is in pieces. Surgery may use pins and screws to put the pieces back together. Some people may need part or all of the kneecap removed, but this is not common.

Exercises will need to be done after surgery to promote strength and movement.

Prevention

Most fractures happen due to accidents. Healthy bones and muscles may help prevent injury. This may be done through diet and exercise.

RESOURCES:

American Physical Therapy Association
http://www.orthopt.org
Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://orthoinfo.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://www.canorth.org

References:

Jarraya M, Diaz LE, et al. Imaging of patellar fractures. Insights Imaging. 2017 Feb;8(1):49-57.
Patella fracture—emergency management. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dyname.... Accessed September 23, 2019.
Patellar (kneecap) fractures. Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedics website. Available at:
...(Click grey area to select URL)
Updated January 2017. Accessed September 23, 2019.
Last reviewed September 2019 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Teresa Briedwell, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS
Last Updated: 7/14/2020