What is the management of fracture patella?

Your doctor may apply a cast or splint to keep your knee straight and help prevent motion in your leg. This will keep the broken ends of bone in proper position while they heal. Depending upon your specific fracture, you may be allowed to bear weight on your leg while wearing a cast or brace.

How do you immobilize your patellar fracture?

If the fracture is not displaced and the extensor mechanism is intact, the fracture may be treated by means of immobilization. This usually involves placing the affected extremity in a cylinder cast for 4-6 weeks. The patient is allowed to bear weight in the cast.

When do you start physical therapy after patellar fracture?

Physical therapy can begin as soon as your doctor determines that your knee can bend. This may be within days of an injury if the patella fracture does not require surgery. If surgery is performed, gentle weight-bearing exercises typically begin three to six days after surgery.

How many different types of patellar fractures are possible?

The patella can break in various ways depending on the way it is injured, and into two or more pieces. Types include transverse, with one fracture line and is the most common type, marginal, osteochondral and the rare vertical type, or stellate, where a direct compression force gives rise to a comminuted pattern.

Can you still walk on a fractured kneecap?

In most cases, patients can walk while the bone heals as long as the brace keeps the knee straight during ambulation. Most patients use crutches, a walker or a cane for stability during the healing process.

Should you elevate a fractured knee?

Keep your leg elevated to reduce pain and swelling. When sleeping, put a pillow under the injured leg. When sitting, support the injured leg so it’s above the level of your heart. This is very important during the first 2 days (48 hours).

Is there a nonsurgical treatment for a patella fracture?

Nonsurgical Treatment of Patella Fractures. Doctors at NYU Langone may suggest one or more nonsurgical treatments for a patella fracture if the quadriceps tendon remains intact and the fracture is not displaced, meaning the patella has fractured but has not broken into many separate pieces.

What is a patella fracture of the knee?

Introduction A patella fracture is a traumatic knee injury caused by direct trauma or rapid contracture of the quadriceps with a flexed knee that can lead to loss of the extensor mechanism. Diagnosis can be made clinically with inability to perform a straight leg raise and confirmed with radiographs of the knee.

What is the AO Classification for patella FRAC-Tures?

The AO classification (see Fig. 1a), which is based on the classification of Speck and Regazzoni, respects its alphanumeric coding system and classifies patella frac- tures as – Extraarticular: 34-A1 (avulsion), 34-A2 (isolated body) Table 1.

How long does it take for a broken patella to heal?

Physical therapy may continue once a week for six to eight weeks or until the patella fracture is healed completely. Patella fractures can be painful. While the fracture heals, a doctor may recommend pain medication to make you more comfortable. For some people, an over-the-counter medicine, such as acetaminophen, works well.