Patella Fracture Treatment
Learn
- Overview
- What It Is
- Causes
- Risk Factors
- Diagnosis
- Symptoms
- Prognosis
- Living With
- Complications
- User Questions
Take Action
- Screening
- Medications
- Prevention
- Treatment
- Alternative Treatment
- Care Guide
- Questions for Your Doctor
- When to Contact a Doctor
- Find a Doctor
- Resource Guide
How to Treat Patella Fracture
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:
Nonsurgical Approach
After the tests, your doctor will determine whether you need surgery. If the patella is not badly injured, your doctor will place the knee in a cast. This cast may need to be worn for six weeks. After that, you will wear a knee brace and do physical therapy. You may need to use a cane or a crutch.
Your doctor may recommend pain medication to reduce pain and swelling.
Surgery
If the patella is in pieces, then you will need surgery. There are two kinds of surgery that are commonly used to treat this injury:
- Open reduction-internal fixation surgery-The doctor uses pins and screws to put the broken pieces back together.
- Patellectomy-The doctor removes part of the kneecap or the entire kneecap.
After surgery, you will need to do physical therapy. This can involve range-of-motion exercises and stretching. You will slowly build strength in the injured leg. In some cases, another surgery will be needed to remove the pins and screws.
Depending on the injury, recovery can take weeks to several months.
