What is a Kneecap (patella) fracture?

• Stable fracture: The bone remains in line and can heal easily
• Displaced fracture: The bone is broken and separated, and the joint surface (cartilage) may also be damaged
• Comminuted fracture: The bone breaks into more than three pieces. It can be stable or displaced
• Open fracture: The bone breaks through the skin and surrounding tissue is damaged; these fractures are the most serious because infection can develop both in the wound and the bone

The symptoms of a fractured patella can come in the form of severe bruising, not being able to straighten your knee or even being unable to walk

• Bruising & Swelling: The knee may swell quickly, and bruising may develop around the kneecap or even the entire knee
• Inability to straighten the knee: Difficulty or inability to straighten the leg or lift the leg when lying down
• Limited mobility: Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected leg.

• 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.
• 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.