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Fractured Patella

Complete list of fracture information

A Patella fracture, or broken knee cap, is usually caused by a forceful direct blow. The fracture may consist of a single crack across the kneecap, or the kneecap may be broken into several pieces. Simple Patella fractures are usually dealt with by immobilizing the knee joint in a plaster cast for 6 weeks. More severe Patella fractures can require surgery to restore the knee cap to its original position.

Symptoms of a patella fracture

Severe pain at the fracture site.

Pain when moving the knee forward or backward.

Swelling around the fracture.

Visible deformity if the fracture is complete and bone fragments separate enough to distort normal knee contours.

"Catching" or locking of the knee.

Tenderness when pressing the kneecap against underlying bones.

Numbness and coldness beyond the fracture site if the blood supply is impaired

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