Patella Fracture: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

A patella fracture is a break in one of the bones of the kneecap. It is one of the most common types of fractures in adults and can be caused by trauma to the front of the knee. The kneecap serves as a cushion between the femur and the tibia. It helps keep the patella in place while walking or running.

Causes of Patella Fractures

The most common cause of patella fractures is falling on one leg and landing on your knee, which can cause the bone to break. Another common cause is a direct impact from an object such as a baseball bat or car door.

A kneecap fracture typically occurs when excessive force is applied directly to the knee joint; however, it can also happen when no direct impact is involved, such as with certain types of arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This is because the bones may already be weak in these situations before any external forces are applied.

Symptoms

The symptoms of kneecap injury can vary depending on the severity of the damage and part of the affected knee. If you suspect you have suffered a knee injury, there are several things to look out for. It includes:

• Dull pain or throbbing in your knee
• Swelling or bruising around your kneecaps
• Numbness in your lower leg (if nerves have been damaged)
• Limited range of motion in your knee joint

If you’ve suffered a dislocated patella, you may experience swelling around your knee and difficulty bending your leg. You may also have an audible popping sound when you try to turn your knee and pain when doing so.

If you have any of these symptoms after injuring yourself, it is best to seek medical attention immediately.

Treatment

The first thing following a patella injury is to seek treatment from a doctor or medical professional as soon as possible. Your doctor will likely recommend physical therapy, medication, and rest to help you recover from your injury. You may also need surgery if your knee cannot heal properly.

It’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations for recovery to maintain mobility and avoid complications down the road.