About this topic
The patella is part of the knee joint. The patella is also called the kneecap bone. It is shaped like a triangle. It protects the front of the knee. The powerful muscles of the front of the thigh attach to the patella. The patella helps these muscles straighten the knee. If this bone is broken, it is a patellar fracture. A patella can break just a little or can crack into many pieces. There are a few types of fractures: ‚
- The broken bones are lined up like they should be and stay in place. This type of fracture does not need surgery. This is called a nondisplaced or stable fracture.
- The broken bones are apart and do not line up like they should. You will most likely need surgery for this injury. This is called a displaced fracture.
- The broken bone is poking through the skin. You will most likely need surgery for this injury. This is called an open fracture.
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Cast or splint to keep your knee straight
- Rest. Allow your injury to heal before you do slow movements.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- Prop your leg on pillows to help with swelling.
- Crutches to take pressure off your injured leg
- Exercises
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You may be sent to physical therapy once your cast is no longer needed. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Fight an infection
Will physical activity be limited?
Bones take 6 to 8 weeks to heal. You will need to keep your knee in a cast or splint for that time. When the cast or splint is no longer needed, it may take a few more months of rehab before you can go back to your normal activities. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Arthritis
- Muscle weakness in your leg
- Chronic pain
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Always wear a seat belt. Drive safely. Obey speed limits. Do not drink and drive.
- Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible.
- Warm up slowly and stretch before you work out. Use good ways to train, such as slowly adding to how far you run. Do not work out if you are overly tired. Take extra care if working out in cold weather.
- Keep a healthy weight so there is not extra stress on your joints. Eat a healthy diet with calcium and vitamin D to keep your bones healthy.
- Wear the right equipment when playing sports.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Sudden shortness of breath or a sudden onset of chest pain, more pain or swelling in your leg, pain in the calf. These could be signs that a blood clot has traveled to your lungs. Go to the ER right away.
- Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, or wound that will not heal.
- Pain or swelling gets worse
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Helpful tips
Ankle exercise can help prevent blood clots. Be sure to ask your doctor if you should do these. ‚
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my fracture.
- I can tell you how to care for my injured area.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have signs of bad blood flow or nerve damage.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00523 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚