Patellar (Kneecap) Fracture Treatment in Chillicothe, Ohio
About Your Knee
Your knee is one of your body’s weight-bearing joints and plays a major role in your mobility. As a hinge joint, it allows your leg to extend and bend back and forth with minimal rotation. Your knee joint is formed by your thigh bone, your shin bone and your kneecap. Your kneecap is the bone at the front of your knee joint. It is also known as the patella.
Your knee is a dynamic joint that is susceptible to injury. The importance of your knees means that any knee injury will have an impact on your lifestyle and well-being. This includes a patellar fracture, or break in your kneecap.
Patellar (Kneecap) Fracture Causes
A patellar fracture can have direct or indirect causes.
- A blow to the knee can directly cause a patellar fracture. A blow to the knee may result from a fall, an athletic injury, or a motor vehicle accident.
- If a person has weak bones, minor injuries to the knee can also cause a patellar fracture.
- A patellar fracture may be indirectly caused by a muscle imbalance between the quadriceps and the hamstrings. This imbalance may lead to a patellar fracture.
If you think you may have fractured your patella, you should contact Dr. Cohen’s office immediately. A delay in medical care can result in unnecessary pain and improper healing.
Patellar (Kneecap) Fracture Symptoms
Symptoms of a patellar fracture vary by severity of the injury. Below are some common fracture symptoms to be aware of:
- Intense pain, swelling, or bruising around the kneecap.
- Pain when moving the knee.
- Inability to put weight on the knee, and therefore to walk.
- Difficulty straightening the leg.
- Difficulty doing a straight leg raise.
- A visibly obvious deformity of your knee where the patella is bent at an unusual angle.
- The patella (or any bone) is sticking out of the skin. This is a medical emergency and you should seek medical care right away.
If you think you may have fractured your patella, you should contact Dr. Cohen’s office immediately. A delay in medical care can result in unnecessary pain and improper healing.
Why Choose Dr. Cohen?
OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE
One of the first orthopedic surgeons employed by a large hospital. Dr. Cohen spent 20 years.
TRUSTED BY OVER 100,000+ PATIENTS WORLDWIDE
Over his distinguished career, Dr. Cohen has cultivated a reputation of excellence and trust among his patients and his peers.
UTILIZING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY
To achieve the best surgical outcomes, Dr. Cohen utilizes the most advanced technologies and techniques, keeping his practice state of the art.
PATIENT SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY
An individualized, patient-focused process coupled with decades of training and experience help ensure maximum safety for all of Dr. Cohen’s patients.
Patellar (Kneecap) Fracture Diagnosis
If you have a persistent knee injury and are concerned you have a kneecap fracture, Dr. Cohen or one of his sports medicine colleagues will obtain a complete “history of present illness” from you and conduct a focused, comprehensive physical exam to evaluate your knee for areas of tenderness, assess range of motion and establish if you have normal or decreased strength. Depending on the findings, they may order an X-ray and/or an MRI.
These scans can confirm the patellar fracture diagnosis as well as show the pattern and severity of the fracture
Patellar (Kneecap) Fracture Treatment Options
Patellar fracture treatment depends upon the severity of your injury. Dr. Cohen or one of his sports medicine colleagues will evaluate your injury as well as your health and lifestyle to determine your treatment plan.
Nonsurgical Treatment
In some instances, a patellar fracture can be treated without surgery. Nonsurgical treatment may be an option if the pieces of the bone are not out of place. Nonsurgical treatment for a patellar fracture can include the following:
- A cast or a splint to restrict movement
- Crutches or a wheelchair
- Medication to help with the pain and other issues
Surgical Treatment
If the pieces of the patellar bone are out of place, you will most likely need surgery. Dr. Cohen will discuss the surgery process with you based upon the severity of your injuries. During the operation, the fracture fragments are realigned and placed in their preinjury position. Dr. Cohen may use small plates, screws, wires and/or sutures to fix your patella. In extreme circumstances, the patella may need to be completely removed.
The healing process can take several months and will vary based upon the treatment deployed, the severity of your injuries and your overall health. Dr. Cohen will talk to you about the healing process and potential long-term complications. You will most likely need physical therapy to help with the rehabilitation process.
Schedule Your Consultation
The diagnosis and treatment of your patellar fracture will depend upon your unique situation. Are you suffering from a patellar injury? Schedule a personal consultation with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Brian Cohen by calling or emailing his office today. Dr. Cohen has extensive experience treating patellar fractures and can help you learn more about your treatment options.
