Kneecap (patella) fracture

The kneecap can be fractured (broken) in a number of ways, for example if you fall onto your knee; it is struck while playing sports such as football or rugby; or during a car accident.

Symptoms include:

• Bruising
• Not being able to straighten your knee or raise it while it’s straight
• Being unable to walk

Adrian will discuss your symptoms with you and examine your knee to check for tenderness, stiffness, swelling and check your range of movement. If the fracture is displaced, it’s often possible to feel the fractured bone through the skin. In most cases, he will arrange for you to have an X-ray to confirm the diagnosis.

• Non-surgical treatment: if the fracture is stable, it may heal by itself. You will need to wear a cast to keep the leg straight and hold the bones in place so they can mend naturally
• Surgery: if your kneecap fracture is not stable, you may need surgery to remove loose bone fragments and/or fix the fracture into place. You may also need to have knee realignment (osteotomy) surgery