Knee cap bone fracture physiotherapy in Delhi
A break in the kneecap can happen at the top, center, or lower part of the bone. Sometimes, fractures occur in more than one area of the kneecap.
This x-ray of the knee taken from the side shows a patella that has been fractured in three places.
Stable fracture. This type of fracture is nondisplaced.
The broken ends of the bones meet up correctly and are aligned. In a stable fracture, the bones usually stay in place during healing.
A vertical, stable fracture.
This x-ray of the knee taken from the front shows the faint line of a vertical, stable fracture of the patella.
Displaced fracture. When a bone breaks and is displaced, the broken ends are separated and do not line up. This type of fracture often requires surgery to put the pieces back together.
A transverse fracture with some displacement.
This x-ray of the knee taken from the side shows a significant gap (displacement) between the broken pieces of the patella.
Comminuted fracture. This type of break is very unstable. The bone shatters into three or more pieces.
A comminuted fracture of the patella.
Open fracture. In this type of fracture, the skin has been broken and exposes the bone. These injuries often involve much more damage to the surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Open fractures have a higher risk for complications and take a longer time to heal.
Cause
Patellar fractures are most commonly caused by a direct blow, such as from a fall or motor vehicle collision. The patella can also be fractured indirectly. For example, your thigh muscles can contract so violently that it pulls the patella apart.
Symptoms
The major symptoms of a patellar fracture include pain and swelling in the front of the knee. Additional symptoms include:
Bruising
Inability to straighten the knee
Inability to walk
Doctor Examination
After discussing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor will examine your knee. The edges of the fracture can often be felt through the skin, particularly if the fracture is displaced. Your doctor will also check for hemarthrosis. This is swelling deep inside the joint that is usually a result of bleeding caused by the fracture.
Tests
X-rays are the most common and widely available diagnostic imaging technique. They create images of dense structures, like bone, so are particularly useful in showing fractures. X-rays are important for showing front and side views of the fracture.
Although rare, a person may be born with extra bones in the patella that have not grown together. This is called bipartite patella and may be mistaken for a fracture. X-rays help to identify bipartite patella. Many people have bipartite patella in both knees, so your doctor may take an x-ray of your other knee, as well.
How long it takes to recover from a patellar fracture will depend on the severity of your injury and whether it required surgery. You and your doctor together can decide when it is best to begin putting weight on your leg, and return to work and other activities.
Patellar fracture Rehabilitation physiotherapy in DELHI
Whether your treatment involves surgery or not, rehabilitation plays a vital role in getting you back to your daily activities. Keeping your leg immobilized in a cast can result in knee stiffness and weak thigh muscles. Specific exercises will help strengthen your leg muscles and restore range of motion in your knee.
Your doctor will tell you when you can begin to put weight on your leg. Initial weight-bearing exercise is usually limited to gently touching your toe to the floor. As your injury heals and your muscles strengthen, you will gradually be able to put more weight on your leg.
Long-Term Outcomes
Arthritis. Patellar fractures often damage the articular cartilage that covers and protects the underside of the bone. Over time, this can lead to arthritis. Severe arthritis occurs in about one out of every four to five patients. Mild to moderate arthritis (chondromalacia patella) is much more common.
Muscle weakness. Permanent weakness of the quadriceps muscle in the front of the thigh is another possible long-term problem. Some loss of motion in the knee, including both straightening (extension) and bending (flexion), is also common. This loss of motion is usually not disabling.
Chronic pain. Long-term pain in the front of the knee is common with patellar fractures.
Lifestyle Changes
Your doctor may suggest some lifestyle changes to protect your knee and prevent future problems. These may include avoiding exercise activities that involve repetitive deep knee bending or squatting. Climbing stairs or ladders should be avoided, as well.
