Recovery and management of patellar fractures: When, how, and additional details
Recovering from a Patella Fracture: A Guide to Healing and Recovery
A patella fracture, a break in the small, triangular bone that protects the front of the knee, can be a challenging injury to recover from. Here's what you need to know about the typical recovery process, symptoms, and treatment options.
Symptoms and Causes
When a person falls on their knees heavily or experiences a vehicle accident that involves a direct impact to the legs, a patella fracture may occur. Symptoms include bruising, swelling, and pain around the front of the knee. Other indicators include difficulty straightening the knee and a popping or grinding sensation in the knee joint[3].
Treatment and Healing
The treatment for a patella fracture depends on the severity of the injury. In some cases, surgeons use plates, screws, and wires to reconstruct the knee, removing small parts of the bone if necessary[2]. However, for less severe fractures, doctors may recommend nonsurgical treatment such as a cast, brace, or splint[5].
The typical recovery time for a patella fracture is about 6 to 8 weeks when the fracture is kept in the correct position and properly treated with bracing and rest[1]. For a nondisplaced patellar fracture, wearing a knee brace for 4 to 6 weeks is usually recommended to support healing[2].
Walking is initially restricted to allow bone healing and reduce pain. Early walking is limited or done with assistive devices such as crutches while wearing a brace. As healing progresses and the fracture stabilizes, gentle movement and partial weight-bearing may start after several weeks, transitioning gradually to full weight-bearing typically after 4 to 6 weeks or when the doctor confirms adequate healing[1][2].
Physical therapy usually begins after the initial immobilization phase to restore knee strength and flexibility, which supports walking and normal activity resumption[1][4]. In some cases, metal plates and screws may be removed in a subsequent surgery about a year later if they are causing discomfort[6].
Potential Complications
While most people can manage their pain with over-the-counter pain medications, complications such as the hardware becoming loose or failing, infections, and continued pain can occur[7]. In addition, some fractured patellas knit together improperly when healing, requiring further surgery[8].
In extreme cases, ongoing loss of knee movement can occur after recovering from a patella fracture. In such instances, Chondromalacia patella can develop, causing the cartilage under the kneecap to break down[9]. Without proper treatment, osteoarthritis can develop[10].
Guidelines for Recovery
Recent guidelines published in Swiss Medical Weekly in 2020 suggest that some people can start gentle physical therapy after about 10 days[4]. However, the timelines for recovery can vary depending on the fracture type (displaced vs nondisplaced), treatment approach (surgery vs conservative), and individual healing response[1][2][4].
In conclusion, a patella fracture can be a complex injury, but with proper treatment, rest, and physical therapy, most people can make a full recovery. If you suspect you have a patella fracture, seek medical attention immediately to ensure the best possible outcome for your recovery.
[1] "Patellar Fractures: Diagnosis and Treatment." OrthoInfo, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2021, www.orthoinfo.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00626.
[2] "Patellar Fractures." OrthoInfo, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2021, www.orthoinfo.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00619.
[3] "Patellar Fractures." Mayo Clinic, 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/patellar-fracture/symptoms-causes/syc-20354149.
[4] "Physical Therapy for Patellar Fractures." Swiss Medical Weekly, 2020, www.smw.ch/content/physical-therapy-patellar-fractures.
[5] "Non-surgical Treatment for Patellar Fractures." OrthoInfo, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2021, www.orthoinfo.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00624.
[6] "Patellar Fractures: Treatment and Outcomes." OrthoInfo, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2021, www.orthoinfo.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00627.
[7] "Patellar Fractures: Complications." OrthoInfo, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2021, www.orthoinfo.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00628.
[8] "Patellar Fractures: Treatment and Outcomes." OrthoInfo, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2021, www.orthoinfo.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00627.
[9] "Chondromalacia Patella." Mayo Clinic, 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chondromalacia-patella/symptoms-causes/syc-20360138.
[10] "Chondromalacia Patella." OrthoInfo, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2021, www.orthoinfo.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00507.
- Post-recovery activities for patella fracture patients may include attending health-and-wellness classes focusing on fitness-and-exercise routines that minimize strain on the knee to prevent accidental falls.
- Science plays a crucial role in the treatment of medical-conditions like patella fractures, with ongoing research into the development of innovative surgical methods and recovery techniques.
- Self-management strategies for managing knee pain associated with patella fractures and other medical-conditions include monitoring physical activity, addressing accident and fall risks, and maintaining a healthy diet as part of overall health-and-wellness.
