If you think you may have a fracture in your knee, it's important to seek medical attention right away. Depending on the severity of the fracture, treatment may involve a cast or splint, or even surgery. Recovery from a broken knee can take up to eight weeks, and during this time your knee will need to remain immobilized. In some cases, patella fractures may be accompanied by injuries to the tendons and ligaments of the knee due to the initial impact on the knee.
A patellar fracture is a break in the kneecap, which is a small bone located at the front of the knee joint. Simple fractures can be treated with a cast or splint until the bone heals, but more complicated fractures require surgery to restore and stabilize the patella and allow function to be restored. Posttraumatic arthritis (thinning of the cartilage due to trauma) of the knee is a common complication of kneecap fractures and other knee injuries. In some cases, blood from the ends of the fractured bone collects within the joint space, causing painful swelling.
To support weight during recovery, you may need to use a knee immobilizer, a hinged knee brace, or a cast that is locked to its full extent. Knee fractures (patellar fractures) are usually caused by direct falls on the knee or by sharp blows to the knee. If you think you may have fractured your knee, it's important to seek medical attention right away so that you can begin treatment and start on your road to recovery.
