Patella Fracture

What is a patella fracture?

A patella fracture is a break in the patella (kneecap), which is a small bone in front of the knee. The patella connects the muscles at the front of the thigh (quadriceps) to the tibia (shin bone). This connection allows the thigh muscles to straighten or extend the knee. Fractures of the patella can occur from a direct blow or a fall directly onto your knee.

What are the symptoms of a patella fracture?

A fracture of the patella will cause pain and swelling of the knee joint. There will be associated bruising around the soft tissues surrounding the knee. With significant patella fractures, there may be an inability to straighten or extend the knee.

How do you treat a patella fracture?

Simple patella fractures occur where the alignment of the patella is satisfactory and the knee can actively be straightened. These can usually be managed with bracing and a period of protected weight bearing with crutches.

Surgery is required for patella fractures where the fragments are distracted and there is an inability to actively keep the knee straight using the thigh muscles.

What does surgery for a patella fracture involve?

Surgery involves reducing the patella fracture back into a normal position and accurately restoring the congruity of the joint surface. Once the fracture is in a satisfactory position, a combination of wires and/or screws are used to hold the fracture in this position.

Post-operatively, a hinged brace is applied, and gradual movement and protected weight bearing with crutches is commenced. An overnight stay in hospital is usually required.

What is the recovery following surgery for a patella fracture?

A hinged brace is applied after surgery. This is usually held with the knee locked in full extension for 2 weeks to allow the wounds to heal. You will commence weight bearing the day after surgery with the knee fully straight in the brace. Following this, the brace is unlocked and the range of motion gradually increased in 2-week intervals. You will be referred to a physiotherapist to help you regain your range of motion and strengthen your muscles. 

The wounds from surgery take 2 weeks to heal. The fracture itself will take a minimum of 6 weeks to heal. The recovery period, including outpatient rehabilitation, can take up to 3-4 months.