Patella Fracture

The patella, which is better known as the kneecap, can suffer a fracture due to a fall or a similar type of accident. Due to its location at the front of the knee, the patella is easily injured when the knee collides with a hard object, such as the ground or the dashboard in a car. If you have suffered a patella fracture, you may experience difficulty straightening the knee.

Minor patella fractures can heal well with the support of a cast or splint. If the bone has moved out of place, surgery is usually the most appropriate treatment option. Dr. Nic Gay and Dr. Masi Reynolds are focused on ensuring that the knee is stabilized. Treatment should restore normal function, allowing the patient to flex and twist the knee without pain or discomfort.

Orthopedic Diagnosis for a Fractured Patella

There are a number of indicators that Dr. Nic Gay and Dr. Masi Reynolds can use to determine if you have suffered a fractured patella. At Silicon Valley Orthopaedics, your doctor will conduct a comprehensive clinical examination. Medical history is taken into consideration in combination with the results of a physical exam.

During the physical exam, the knee is checked for stability and fractures that can be felt through the skin. A displaced fracture is detectable without the need for an x-ray. It is also important to identify any signs of hemarthrosis. If blood is pooling inside the joint as a result of a fracture, you may experience pain and swelling. Excess blood can be drained to provide relief from the symptoms of hemarthrosis.

There are several ways in which the patella can fracture. Dr. Nic Gay and Dr. Masi Reynolds will determine the most appropriate treatment options. The injury may require surgery, based on the severity. Book an appointment at Silicon Valley Orthopaedics in California today if you have suffered a knee injury that may have resulted in a fractured patella.