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Different Types of Knee Fractures: Do You Know Which One is Most Common?
A kneecap fracture, also called a patellar fracture, is a break in the kneecap. It usually occurs due to strong trauma from a direct blow to the knee or a fall. The diagnosis of this fracture is based on typical symptoms such as severe pain, swelling, and bruising. Patients may have difficulty walking or even bend or straighten their knees, which affects the quality of daily life.
SymptomsKnee fractures affect approximately 1% of all fractures and are more common in middle-aged men.
The main symptoms of a patellar fracture include pain, swelling, and bruising in the front of the knee that can be so painful that the patient cannot bend or extend the knee. When they try to stand, the horrific pain makes the situation worse.
In addition, patients with knee can also increase significantly in the case of sitting for a long time. If there is blood accumulation in the knee, the ability of the joints will be further limited.
Complications
The complications of the fracture of the crickets sometimes include damage to the tibial, femoral or knee ligaments. In the long run, the ability of knee mobility may not be fully recovered. Pain may also exist, and the risk of disease will increase, such as knee osteoarthritis. If the fracture is accompanied by open trauma, it may be accompanied by the risk of infection and the situation where the bones cannot heal.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of patellar fracture is based primarily on the patient's subjective symptoms and is confirmed by X-ray examination. In some special cases, especially in children, further MRI may be needed.
Types of fractures
Patellar fractures can be divided into several types according to the injury method. The most common is transverse fracture, which usually presents as a fracture line. Other types include marginal fractures, osteochondral fractures, and rare vertical or stellate fractures. Patellar fractures can also be subdivided into dislocation, in which the broken edges are no longer aligned, and non-dislocation, in which the broken parts are still in contact.
Patella fractures are often dislocations, meaning the pieces of the bone are no longer aligned.
Treatment methods
Treatment of patellar fracture can be performed depending on the type of fracture and the integrity of the skin, mainly surgical and non-surgical methods. Non-dislocated fractures can usually be treated conservatively with a cast, whereas some dislocated fractures may require surgical intervention.
Initially, the injured leg will be immobilized in an upright position for about three weeks and gradually allowed to bend. For severe fractures, doctors may choose to repair the fracture with an internal fixation device or perform a patellar resection.
Rehabilitation Program
Whether surgical or non-surgical treatment, post-operative rehabilitation is crucial. Physical therapists can provide patients with progressive weight-bearing exercises to help strengthen muscles, improve knee flexibility, and reduce stiffness.
Prognosis
Overall, the outcome of patellar fractures is usually good, but may be less favorable if the articular surface is damaged or the quadriceps mechanism is affected. There is also a risk of developing osteoarthritis after a fracture. As for the effectiveness of different surgical interventions, there is currently insufficient evidence to support them.
EpidemiologyPatellar fractures account for approximately 1% of all fractures. It is usually most common in middle-aged men, and the incidence of patellar fractures is gradually increasing as the elderly population increases worldwide.
As our understanding of the patella increases, the medical community has begun to pay attention to rehabilitation and follow-up treatment after fracture. Does this make us reflect on what should we focus on in the prevention of injuries in the future?
