Patella Fracture Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options
The kneecap, medically known as the patella, sits at the front of the knee and plays a vital role in helping you straighten your leg. A patella fracture occurs when this bone cracks or breaks, most commonly due to a fall, sports injury, or direct blow to the knee.
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Your kneecap (patella) connects the muscles of your thigh (femur) to your shinbone (tibia). It acts as a protective shield for the knee joint and improves leverage for straightening your leg (knee extension). When the patella fractures, it can significantly limit movement and cause severe pain.
In some cases, pain from a knee bruise or kneecap injury can feel similar to other knee conditions. People may experience discomfort when bending the knee or pain while walking. Although these symptoms may seem alike, different knee injuries require different treatments and should be properly evaluated.
For athletes, a kneecap injury can be especially serious. It may limit athletic performance and should be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
What causes Patella Fracture?
Patella fractures typically result from direct trauma, including:
- Falling directly onto the knee
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Contact sports injuries
In some cases, fractures can also occur due to indirect stress, such as sudden twisting or forceful contraction of the thigh muscles.
Types of Patella Fractures
- Nondisplaced (Stable) Fracture: The bone remains properly aligned.
- Displaced Fracture: The bone fragments are separated and out of alignment, often causing more severe symptoms.
How the Injury Occurs
Common Everyday Causes
- Slipping on wet surfaces
- Missing a step while walking downstairs
- Sudden impact during recreational activities
- Sports involving jumping, pivoting, or collisions
Symptoms
A patella fracture typically causes immediate and noticeable symptoms, including:
- Sharp pain in the front of the knee, especially when moving
- Swelling and bruising around the kneecap
- Difficulty or inability to straighten the leg
- Pain when bearing weight on the affected knee
When to see a doctor
You should see a doctor as soon as possible if you experience knee pain after a fall, a direct blow to the knee, or a sports-related injury. Continuing to play sports or placing weight on the injured knee can worsen the condition and increase the risk of more serious damage within the knee joint.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Severe pain in the front of the knee
- Rapid swelling or bruising
- Inability to straighten or lift the leg
- Difficulty or inability to bear weight
- A feeling of knee instability or weakness
Patella fractures are commonly evaluated and diagnosed in emergency or urgent care settings because delayed treatment can lead to improper healing, chronic pain, reduced range of motion, and long-term knee dysfunction.
Prompt medical evaluation allows for accurate imaging, appropriate immobilization or surgical planning, and a faster, safer recovery—especially for athletes who want to return to activity without long-term complications.
Non-operative treatment
Non-surgical treatment is recommended for nondisplaced or minimally displaced fractures.
Treatment Options Include:
- Knee immobilization using a cast or splint (typically for 6 weeks)
- Temporary weight-bearing restrictions
- Gradual rehabilitation exercises
Rehabilitation Exercises
A guided exercise program helps restore strength and mobility once healing begins. These exercises should be performed only after the fracture is healed.
(Refer to the provided PDF Exercise Program)
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is required for displaced fractures, where the bone pieces are no longer aligned.
Surgical Goals:
- Realign the kneecap
- Stabilize the bone using screws, wires, or pins
- Remove small bone fragments if necessary
Post-surgical rehabilitation is essential to prevent stiffness and restore knee function.
Recovery
Recovery time depends on injury severity:
- Nondisplaced fractures: Return to sports in approximately 3–4 months
- Displaced fractures requiring surgery: Recovery may take up to 6 months
Physical therapy focuses on restoring strength, flexibility, and stability. Athletes should not return to play until full motion and strength are achieved.
Dr. Jay Kimmel is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, arthroscopic surgery, and shoulder and knee disorders. He completed his orthopedic training at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center and a Sports Medicine Fellowship at Temple University.
Dr. Kimmel previously served as the Director of the Connecticut Sports Medicine Institute at Saint Francis Hospital and has held faculty appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Departments of Orthopedics and Family Medicine at the University of Connecticut. He has extensive experience caring for athletes as a team physician for high school and collegiate programs and continues to teach in the athletic training departments at Westfield State University and Springfield College.
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/MonthFrequently Asked Questions
What are common meniscus tear symptoms compared to a patella fracture?
Meniscus tear symptoms include locking, catching, and deep knee pain, whereas patella fractures cause sharp pain, bruising, and difficulty straightening the leg.
Can you walk with a patella fracture?
Some people with nondisplaced fractures can walk, but walking is usually painful. Displaced fractures typically prevent weight-bearing.
How long does knee pain last after a patella fracture?
Pain improves as healing progresses but may last several weeks to months, especially if stiffness or muscle weakness develops.
What happens if knee injuries like fractures or meniscus injuries are left untreated?
Untreated injuries can lead to chronic pain, instability, reduced mobility, arthritis, and long-term knee dysfunction.