Prompt evaluation for broken kneecaps, displaced patella fractures and injuries that prevent the knee from straightening.
The patella, commonly called the kneecap, protects the front of the knee and links the quadriceps tendon to the patellar tendon.
Most patella fractures result from a direct fall onto the knee, a dashboard injury, sports trauma or another direct blow.
Less commonly, a forceful quadriceps contraction can pull the patella apart. Fractures may be simple and transverse, involve one pole or break into multiple fragments.
The patella sits directly beneath thin skin. A cut, puncture or wound over a suspected fracture may communicate with the bone or knee joint and requires immediate emergency evaluation.
The quadriceps, patella and patellar tendon work together to straighten the knee and support walking, stairs and rising from a chair.
A patella fracture may injure the cartilage surface behind the kneecap and tear the surrounding retinaculum that helps transmit the quadriceps force.
The orthopedic examination checks whether the patient can actively straighten the knee and whether the fracture has interrupted the extensor mechanism.
Treatment depends on alignment, joint-surface displacement and whether the knee-extension mechanism remains intact.
A stable nondisplaced fracture with an intact extensor mechanism may be treated in a brace or cast that keeps the knee straight.
Repeat X-rays confirm that the fragments remain aligned while healing begins.
Selected transverse fractures may be repaired with screws, wires or a combination designed to compress and stabilize the fracture against strong quadriceps forces.
Modern low-profile plates and multiple screws can capture smaller fragments and stabilize selected complex or comminuted patella fractures.
Surgery is generally recommended when the fragments are significantly displaced, the joint surface is incongruent, the extensor mechanism is disrupted or the fracture is open.
The surgeon may combine screws, compression wiring, a plate and strong sutures according to the fracture pattern and bone quality.
Patella-fracture rehabilitation balances protection of the healing fracture with gradual restoration of motion and quadriceps strength.
A brace commonly keeps the knee straight during walking while swelling, pain and the incision improve.
Flexion is increased gradually according to fracture stability, fixation strength and follow-up imaging.
Physical therapy focuses on knee motion, quadriceps activation, walking mechanics and return to function.
The quadriceps can continue pulling separated fragments apart, and swelling or skin injury may affect the safest timing of surgery.
A closed injury with intact circulation and no major trauma may often be evaluated promptly in our orthopedic office. Call and identify the injury as a possible or confirmed fracture.
Go directly to the emergency room for an open wound, exposed bone, uncontrolled bleeding, severe deformity, a cold or pale foot, progressive numbness or major trauma.
Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists provides urgent evaluation, bracing and surgical fixation for patella and kneecap fractures.
Tell our scheduling team that you have a confirmed or suspected kneecap fracture. Bring your imaging disc, radiology report and emergency-room or urgent-care paperwork. We make every reasonable effort to evaluate acute fractures quickly.
Call Atlanta Bone and Joint Specialists for prompt evaluation of patella alignment, knee-extension function and the need for bracing or surgical fixation.
