What is a kneecap fracture?

A kneecap fracture is a break or crack in the kneecap (patella). It may be just a small crack in the bone, or the bone may break into pieces or shatter. Some fractures may stick out through the skin.

A kneecap fracture is also called a patellar fracture.

What is the cause?

A broken kneecap usually results from a fall onto your knee or a direct hit to the knee. Some kneecap fractures can happen when you are jumping or running.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms may include:

• A snapping or popping sound at the time of the injury
• Pain, swelling, bruising, or tenderness that happens right after the injury
• Trouble walking or straightening your leg

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and how the injury happened. Your provider will examine you. Tests may include X-rays or other scans.

How is it treated?

The treatment depends on the type of fracture.

• If you have an open wound with the fracture, you may need treatment to control bleeding or prevent infection.
• You may need surgery to:
  • Remove all small fragments of bone
  • Wire the kneecap fragments together, if possible
  • Remove the kneecap if it has shattered
• Your provider may put your leg in a brace, splint, knee immobilizer, or cast to keep your knee from moving while it heals.

Your healthcare provider may prescribe pain medicine.

With treatment, the fracture may take 6 to 8 weeks to heal. You may need to do special exercises to help your leg get stronger and more flexible. Ask your healthcare provider about this.

How can I take care of myself?

Follow the full course of treatment your healthcare provider prescribes.

To keep swelling down and help relieve pain:

• Put an ice pack, gel pack, or package of frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth on the injured area every 3 to 4 hours for up to 20 minutes at a time for the first day or two after the injury.
• When you sit or lie down, keep your leg up on pillows, with your knee straight.
• Take pain medicine as directed by your healthcare provider.

Ask your healthcare provider:

• How and when you will hear your test results
• How long it will take to recover
• What activities you should avoid and when you can return to your normal activities
• How to take care of yourself at home
• What symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them

Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup.

How can I help prevent a kneecap fracture?

Most broken kneecaps are caused by accidents that are not easy to prevent. However, here are some things that can help prevent injury:

• Wear shoes that fit well and give good support.
• Gently stretch before and after physical activity.
• If you play a sport that uses knee protection, be sure that the protective equipment fits properly.
• Work and play safely.