A break in the kneecap is known as a patella fracture and such a condition occurs because of a direct trauma affecting the knees. It is a debilitating condition that is characterized by intense pain, swelling, bruising, and the inability to put weight on the affected knee. Depending on the exact cause, patella fractures can be moderate or severe and that will decide the type of treatment required. In severe cases, surgery is required and that involves the use of Orthopedic Trauma Implants, especially knee implants. In this post, we will be discussing patella fractures in detail along with the diagnosis and treatment.
What Are the Different Types of Patella Fractures?
Depending on the pattern of the break, patella fractures can be classifieds into different types:
Stable Patella Fracture
Also known as non-displaced fractures, stable fractures are those in which the broken bone fragments do not move out of their place. In stable patella fractures, broken bones either stay connected or get separated a bit. These fractures generally don’t require surgical intervention and can be managed with a hinged knee brace, a cast, or a knee immobilizer. A periodic knee examination is required to check the healing progress.
Displaced Patella Fracture
In displaced patella fracture, broken bone fragments move out of their place significantly. These are severe fractures that require surgery for treatment. The broken bone fragments are realigned using metal implants like screws, plates, and wires to help them heal.
Transverse Patella Fracture
When the patella breaks into 2 pieces, the condition is known as a transverse patella fracture. Surgery is often required to fix transverse fractures and the type of surgery required will be decided by the healthcare service provider.
Comminuted Patella Fracture
Comminuted patella fractures are when the patella breaks into multiple pieces, generally more than 3. Depending on the severity and the type of cause, comminuted fractures can be stable or unstable. In the case of unstable patella fractures, the bone fragments are small enough that they cannot be reconnected/realigned. In such cases, tiny fragments are removed during surgery.
Open Patella Fracture
Open patella fracture is the most severe type of fracture in which the broken bone fragments may either pierce out of the skin or something penetrates the patella from the outside. Emergency assessment and treatment are required for open fractures. Antibiotics and tetanus must be given immediately to minimize the risk of infection. After that, feasible surgery will be required.
What is the Diagnosis for Patella Fractures?
The diagnosis of patella fractures often involves a physical examination where the healthcare service provider will examine visible signs including swelling, bruising, and range of motion. After that, imaging tests will be ordered to confirm the fracture and identify the severity. The tests ordered may include:
- X-rays
- CT Scan
How Patella Fractures Are Treated?
The severity of the fracture decides the feasible treatment for patella fractures. In non-displaced fractures, the application of a cast, splint, or knee immobilizer can fix the fracture. While on the other hand, surgery is always required in displaced, comminuted, and open fractures. The surgery involves realigning broken bone fragments using orthopedic plates, screws, pins, and wires.
Different types of surgeries can be performed, and the surgeon decides the best procedure depending on the condition of the patient. To explore more orthopedic implants and other healthcare products, register for the Medica
