Case of a cheerleading accident that left the patient with a fractured patella!
A patella fracture is an injury to the kneecap. The kneecap is one of three bones that make up the knee joint. It is coated with cartilage on its undersurface and is important in providing strength of extension of the knee joint. Patella fractures should be seen in the emergency room. X-rays will determine the type of fracture and the amount of displacement (separation) of the fracture. When surgery is necessary, an incision is made over the front of the knee joint. The fractured ends of bone are realigned and held in place with some combination of pins, screws and wires. In some cases, a portion of the patella can simply be removed, but this is usually done for smaller fracture fragments. Following surgery, patients will need to keep their knee in a straight position to allow for initial healing. Exactly when the knee can begin moving depends on the strength of the repair your surgeon is able to achieve. Gentle motion can usually begin in the first weeks following surgery. In situations where the bones are held solidly, early motion of the knee helps to achieve the best results after surgery.
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