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Broken Knee Cap

The knee cap is the patella bone that is located in front of the knee joint. A broken knee cap is a fracture of this bone. A broken knee cap, is usually caused by a forceful direct blow to the knee. A knee cap break may consist of a single crack across the kneecap or the kneecap may be broken into several pieces

Symptoms of a broken knee

Intense knee pain.
Almost immediately the knee will become swollen
Limited ability to bend the affected knee.
If the breakeis right across the knee cap it may be possible to feel a gap

Treatment of a broken knee

Nondisplaced fractures are typically treated without surgery (conservative treatment) by splinting the knee in extension (straight) for 4 to 6 weeks.
Since the patella does not bear weight, there is no weight bearing restriction. Crutches, canes, or a walker may be used to aid in walking.
Displaced fractures of the patella are treated surgically to stabilize the fragments. Metal pins, screws, wires, or plates may be used to hold pieces of bone together.
In cases in which too much bone has shattered, a partial or complete removal of the patella itself may be performed

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