A broken patella is a common injury mainly observed in patients who are athletes. Apart from athletes, people who walk abruptly, land wrongly on a surface after jumping, fall, or met an accident are most likely to break their patella. In this blog, we are going to tell you about different treatment methods that are applied to the broken patella.
You must immediately consult a knee replacement specialist if you have broken your patella or show some common symptoms of a broken patella. An orthopedic doctor or knee replacement surgeon are well versed in treating all bone and joints problem. They will diagnose your problem and provide a suitable treatment according to your severity.
What is a fractured Patella?
The little, flat, triangular-shaped bone that is situated in front of the knee is known as Patella. Due to various reasons, the patella can go severe injuries. The patella can break leading to a broken patella. The patella serves as a barrier for the knee joint, guarding it against any blows or injuries. Moreover, it aids in knee extension and gives the quadriceps muscles leverage.
A fall, a direct hit to the knee, or a quick twisting or bending of the knee can all result in a fractured patella. Pain, bruising, swelling, trouble bending or straightening the knee, and a popping sound at the time of injury are all signs of a fractured patella.
Types of Fractured Patella?
Depending on how you have broken your patella, it can be distinguished into different types. Different types of broken patella are treated with different methods. Every type of fractured patella is treated with different treatment methods. There are three main types of patellar fractures, which includes:
In this type of fracture, the pieces of the patella remain aligned, and the patella is not displaced from its normal position.
In a displaced fracture, the pieces of the patella are not aligned and are out of position. This type of fracture can affect the function of the knee joint.
A comminuted fracture is a more severe type of fracture where the patella is broken into multiple pieces. This type of fracture can be challenging to treat and may require surgery.
It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect a patellar fracture to determine the type of fracture and the best course of treatment. You can consult with the best knee replacement surgeons in Delhi, who are having more than 35 years of experience. The doctors are well-versed in treating patellar fractures with suitable and trustworthy treatment methods.
What are the symptoms of a fractured patella?
Many people who have undergone patellar fractures have experienced some common symptoms. The signs and symptoms of a fractured patella, or broken kneecap, can include:
- Pain: Severe to moderate knee pain can be observed in most patients that keeps on increasing over time.
- Swelling: This is yet another typical sign of a patellar fracture, particularly in the area around the kneecap. The swelling could appear right away or might take time to appear.
- Bruising: Bleeding from the shattered bone or nearby tissues can cause bruising around the knee.
- Inability to move the knee: A broken patella can limit the movement of the knee joint. Your knee may feel tight or you might face difficulty in straightening or bending your knees.
- Deformity: The patella may be noticeably displaced or out of position in severe cases, resulting in a noticeable deformity in the knee.
- Cracking or popping sensation: Some people with a fractured patella may hear or feel a cracking or popping sensation at the time of the injury.
In order to identify whether you have a patellar fracture, Consult an orthopedic surgeon immediately if you have any of these symptoms following a fall or other traumatic injury to the knee. Early detection and intervention can assist to reduce problems and hasten the healing process.
Diagnosis of patella Fracture
Your orthopedic surgeon may suggest you undergo MRI, CT scan, or X-ray to analyze your problem correctly. X-rays are mostly suggested by doctors. If the X-rays are not clear, MRI is suggested. After analyzing your reports, your doctor will be able to know the severity of your problem and provide a solution accordingly. The doctors can also suggest some blood tests and chest X-rays to know your medical condition.
A good doctor will also ask you about the symptoms of a patella fracture and how you are feeling. They can also ask you to walk around to hear if there is a popping sound or any other problem with your knees or not.
Non-surgical treatment method for Patella fracture
Non-surgical treatment for a patella fracture can be effective for stable fractures where the bone is not displaced or out of position. Non-surgical treatment options may include:
A brace or cast can be used to keep the knee immobile in order to keep the fractured patella stable while it heals. To keep weight off of the hurt knee, you might need to use crutches.
It can help the knee regain its range of motion, strength, and flexibility once the fracture has started to recover. To assist you get back to your regular activities, physical therapy exercises may include functional, strengthening, and range-of-motion exercises.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are a type of painkiller that can be used to treat pain and lower inflammation.
Reducing swelling and promoting healing can be accomplished by raising the injured knee above the level of the hip while it is resting.
Non-surgical treatment for a patella fracture may take several weeks to several months, depending on the severity of the injury and how well the bone is healing. Regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider can help to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Surgical Treatment Method for Patella Fracture
If the fracture is displaced, comminuted (split into several pieces), or if the bone is considerably out of place, surgical treatment for a patella fracture may be required. It is also suggested when the non-surgical treatment has failed to return to normal knee function. The surgical treatment options for a patella fracture may include:
Making an incision over the knee and correcting it with wires, pins, screws, or plates to keep the shattered bone fragments in place while they recover is known as open reduction and internal fixation.
Tension band wiring is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that involves wrapping wire around the broken patella to assist in stabilizing the bone and encourage recovery.
To restore correct knee joint function in severe cases where the patella is broken into several fragments and cannot be repaired, part of the patella may need to be removed.
Conclusion
If you have undergone a patella fracture, you can immediately consult a knee replacement surgeon immediately. Cure My Knee provide an instant solution to your problem and treats you with a reliable solution. We connect you with the most experienced orthopedic doctor for treating your patella fracture. Your doctor will first diagnose your problem and know the degree of your patella fracture and advise you on the best possible solution for your broken patella.
