patella fracture in Tunisia
Definition of Patella Fracture
A patellar fracture is a break of the kneecap, or patella, the small bone located at the front of your knee. Because the patella acts as a shield for your knee joint, it is vulnerable to fractures if you fall directly on your knee or hit it against the dashboard during a vehicle collision. A patella fracture is a serious injury that can make it difficult, or even impossible, to straighten the knee or walk.
Some simple patellar fractures can be treated by wearing a cast or splint until the bone heals. However, in most patellar fractures, the bone pieces move out of place when the injury occurs. For these more complicated fractures, surgery is necessary to restore and stabilize the patella and allow return of function.
Patella Anatomy
The patella is a small bone located in front of the knee joint - where the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) meet. It protects the knee and connects the muscles at the front of the thigh to the tibia.
The ends of the femur and the undersides of the patella are covered with a smooth substance called articular cartilage. This cartilage helps the bones glide easily over each other when you move your knee.
Non-Surgical Treatment of Patella Fracture
If the bone pieces are not displaced (moved out of place), you may not need surgery. Your doctor may apply a cast or splint to keep your knee straight and help prevent movement of your leg. This will keep the broken ends of the bones in the proper position while they heal.
Depending on your specific fracture, you may be allowed to bear weight on your leg while wearing a cast or brace. However, with some fractures, weight-bearing is not allowed for 6 to 8 weeks. Your doctor will discuss weight-bearing restrictions with you.
Surgical Treatments for Patella Fracture
If the bone pieces are displaced (moved out of place), you will likely need surgery. Fractured patellar bones that are not brought close together often have difficulty healing or may not heal. The thigh muscles that attach to the top of the patella are very strong and can pull the broken pieces out of place during healing.
If the skin around your fracture has not been broken, your doctor may recommend waiting for abrasions to heal before undergoing surgery.
Open fractures, however, have an increased risk of infection and are scheduled for surgery as soon as possible, usually within hours. During surgery, the cuts from the injury and the surfaces of the bone are thoroughly cleaned. The bone will usually be repaired during the same surgery.
Postoperative Care for Patella Fracture
Most fractures are moderately painful for a few days to a few weeks. Many patients find that using ice, elevating the affected leg, and taking simple over-the-counter pain medications are all that is needed to relieve pain. If your pain is severe, your doctor may suggest a prescription medication, such as an opioid, for a few days. Be aware that although opioids help relieve pain after surgery, opioid addiction and overdose have become a critical public health concern. For this reason, opioids are typically prescribed for a short period of time. It is important to use opioids only as directed by your doctor. As soon as your pain begins to improve, stop taking opioids.
Rehabilitation
Whether your treatment is surgical or non-surgical, rehabilitation will play a vital role in getting you back to your daily activities. Because treatment for a patella fracture can sometimes require keeping your leg immobilized in a cast for an extended period, your knee may become stiff and your thigh muscles may become weak. During rehabilitation, your doctor or a physical therapist will provide you with specific exercises to help:
Improve the range of motion of your knee
Strengthen your leg muscles
Reduce stiffness