Fracture of patella

Description fracture of the patella

Trauma occurs when the destruction of the patella. Patella – greater, rolling the dice in front of the knee.

The reasons for the fracture of the patella

Knee the cup is part of the knee joint. It is located between the tendons, that connect the thigh bone to the leg bone (shin). The patella protects the front of the knee joint and acts as a fulcrum. Acceded to the thigh muscles, that straighten the knee. The inner part of the patella is in contact with a portion of the femur knee joint.

Some common causes of injury include:

• Strong attack on the knee (eg, during exercise, a fall or car accident);
• Excessive load on the knee (eg, for lifting, stair climbing, or excessive load on the knee healing).

Risk factors for a fracture of the patella

Factors, which increases the likelihood of fractures of the patella:

• Advanced age;
• Postmenopausal;
• Reduced muscle mass;
• Osteoporosis (decrease in bone mass);
• Contact sports;
• Obesity, which increases the burden on muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments;
• Violence, car accident.

Symptoms of a fracture of the patella

These symptoms, in addition to the fracture of the patella, They may be caused by other disorders. If you experience any of them, consult a doctor.

• Sudden, severe pain in the kneecap;
• Swelling and soreness;
• Inability to bend or straighten the knee.

Diagnosis of fracture of the patella

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, a physical exam. He carefully examine the knee, to find signs of fracture. Tests may include:

• Test straightening legs, to see, if you can lift a leg lying. If you are not able to do it, this may be a sign of a fracture;
• Roentgen – test, which uses X-rays, to take a picture of structures inside the body, especially bones, to find a place of their destruction;
• CT scan – X-ray views, which uses computer, to make pictures of structures inside the body. Compared with conventional x-ray provides a more detailed pictures;
• MRT – test, which uses magnetic waves, to make pictures of structures inside the body.

Treatment of fracture of the patella

Treatment options include the following:

Non-surgical treatment of fractures of the patella

After the diagnosis the doctor will determine, Whether operation. If the patella is slightly damaged, the doctor puts a knee plaster. His, perhaps, I have worn for six weeks. After that, you will wear a knee brace and do the exercises, appointed physiotherapist. Maybe, to assist in walking have to use a cane or a crutch.

Your doctor may recommend pain medication, to reduce pain and swelling.

Surgery fracture of the patella

If the kneecap is fragmented into several pieces, then you will need surgery. There are two kinds of operations, which are commonly used to treat this injury:

• Open reduction and internal fixation of bone – The doctor uses pins and screws, to join bone fragments together;
• Removal of the patella (patelektomiya) – the doctor removes part or all of the kneecap.

After surgery, physical therapy will be assigned, which may include exercises to expand the range of motion and stretching. In some cases, to remove pins and screws, It will need another operation.

Depending on the severity of the injury, recovery can take anywhere from several weeks to several months.

Prevention of fracture of the patella

To reduce the risk of fracture of the patella, Follow these steps::

• Do not put yourself at risk of bone injury;
• Eat a diet, rich in calcium and vitamin D;
• Perform exercises to strengthen bones;
• Strengthen muscles, to prevent falls and to stay active and agile;
• Use proper equipment and follow the safety instructions in sports and at work.