Diagnosis and treatment of patellar fracture

Patellar fracture is a common injury, with local swelling and pain of the patella, inability to straighten the knee joint independently, often with subcutaneous bruises and knee skin abrasions as the main manifestations. I believe everyone knows the importance of bones to us. So how do we diagnose and treat patella fractures? Let’s take a look at it together below.

Clinical manifestations

The age of patellar fracture is generally between 20 and 50 years old, with more males than females, about 2:1. After a patellar fracture, a large amount of blood accumulates in the joint, causing subcutaneous congestion and swelling in front of the patella. In severe cases, blisters may form on the skin. There is severe pain in the knee joint during activity, and sometimes a feeling of bone friction can be felt. In displaced fractures, a gap between the fracture lines can be felt.

examine

Imaging findings: A transverse or star-shaped X-ray-lucent fracture line can be seen in the patella. Due to the involvement of the quadriceps tendon and patellar tendon, the fracture fragments are often separated significantly, and the upper part of the fracture is displaced upward, while the lower part is not displaced. If the quadriceps tendon is not completely ruptured, fracture displacement is less common.

diagnosis

Patellar anteroposterior and lateral X-rays can confirm the diagnosis. For suspected longitudinal or marginal fractures of the patella, an axial radiograph must be taken for confirmation.

treat

The treatment of patellar fracture should restore the smoothness of the articular surface to the greatest extent possible, provide firmer internal fixation, mobilize the knee joint early, and prevent the occurrence of traumatic arthritis.

1. Non-surgical treatment

Plaster splint or tube fixation is suitable for non-displaced patellar fractures. No manual reduction is required. The blood in the joint is drained and bandaged. The affected limb is fixed in an extended position for 3 to 4 weeks with a long-leg plaster splint or tube. Practice quadriceps contraction during the cast period, and practice knee flexion and extension after the cast is removed.

2. Surgery

Patellar fractures with more than 2 to 3 mm displacement, articular surface unevenness of more than 2 mm, and combined extensor retinaculum tear fractures are best treated with surgery.

In the article, we have learned in detail about the diagnosis and treatment of patellar fractures. I believe everyone is already clear about it. We all know that fractures are painful and recovery is slow, so everyone should be careful not to get injured during daily exercise.