Knee Cap Fracture

A Patella Fracture is a fracture of the knee cap and is one of the most common knee injuries.

The knee cap (patella) acts like a shield for the knee joint and so it can easily be injured. About 15% percent of sport injuries involve the knee. The knee is the weakest if a person is involved in high-velocity, cutting, twisting, and jumping activities. Patella fractures are more common in males than in females.

Falling directly onto the knee is a common cause of Patellar fractures.

Pain and swelling of the knee are the common symptoms of Patellar fracture.

Diagnostic techniques like x-ray and MRI can be used to determine the type and extent of fracture.

Patellar fracture is a serious injury and often requires surgery to heal. In the long run, it may cause arthritis in the knee, weakness of the quadriceps muscles and chronic pain.

What are the Causes of Fracture of Knee Cap?

The knee cap can be fractured due to -

- A direct blow, such as a collision with dashboard in a motor vehicle accident.

- A fall on a flexed knee or forceful quadriceps contraction, such as with stumbling or falling.

- Chronic stress to the knee.

- Pathologic conditions or chronic infections can lead to fractures.

- Swelling and pain in the knee are the main symptoms of knee cap fracture.\

Other symptoms include

- Bruises over the knee in case of direct violence.

- Inability to straighten the knee.

- Inability to walk.