Patella Fracture
If you suffer from a patella fracture, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.
What is a Patella Fracture?
A patella fracture describes a break or crack in the patella, commonly known as the kneecap. Direct blows to the front of the knee, falls onto a bent knee, motor vehicle collisions, or sudden forceful contraction of the quadriceps muscle commonly cause this injury. Fractures range from small, nondisplaced cracks to complex injuries with multiple bone fragments.
A patella fracture can disrupt the knee’s extensor mechanism, making straightening the leg or walking difficult. Specialists classify these fractures according to fracture pattern, displacement, and involvement of the joint surface to guide treatment decisions. Prompt evaluation and appropriate management help restore knee function, preserve joint alignment, and reduce the risk of long-term pain, stiffness, and arthritis.
Symptoms of a Patella Fracture
A patella fracture commonly causes sudden pain in the front of the knee after a fall, direct blow, or other traumatic injury. Swelling and bruising often develop quickly, making movement difficult and limiting normal knee function. Many people struggle to straighten the knee, bear weight, or walk without significant discomfort. More severe injuries may produce a visible deformity or an open wound over the kneecap.
Symptoms may include:
- Experience sudden pain in the front of the knee.
- Develop swelling around the kneecap.
- Notice bruising or discoloration.
- Feel tenderness when touching the injured area.
- Have difficulty straightening the knee.
- Struggle to bear weight or walk.
- Lose normal range of motion because of pain and swelling.
- Hear or feel a popping or cracking sensation at the time of injury.
Treatments for a Patella Fracture
Treatment for a patella fracture depends on the fracture pattern, degree of displacement, and ability to straighten the knee. Healthcare providers often recommend conservative treatment for stable, nondisplaced fractures. A knee immobilizer, brace, or cast keeps the knee straight while the bone heals, and pain medication, ice, elevation, and temporary activity restrictions help reduce discomfort and swelling. Physical therapy begins as healing progresses to restore range of motion, strength, and normal walking mechanics.
More severe or displaced fractures often require surgery to restore proper alignment and knee function. Orthopedic surgeons may use screws, pins, wires, or plates to secure the bone fragments, and some complex injuries require partial or complete removal of severely damaged bone fragments. Rehabilitation after surgery focuses on gradually increasing knee motion, strengthening the quadriceps and surrounding muscles, improving balance, and returning safely to daily activities, work, and sports.
If you would like to speak to an Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Specialist, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.
