There are three bones in the knee joint – the femur, tibia and patella. While any of these bones can be fractured from too much stress or a direct blow to the leg, knee fractures usually involve the kneecap or patella. The kneecap is a thin piece of bone that protects the top of the knee and connects the quadriceps with the patella tendon. A direct blow to the knee can fracture the kneecap, causing knee pain and limiting function. If you need knee fracture treatment, come see us at Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement LA in Los Angeles.

Patella or knee fractures vary from simple to complex. A simple or stable fracture of the kneecap is a crack in the bone, while a complex or displaced fracture can involve a shattered kneecap that is split into multiple pieces. The treatment needed for knee or patella fractures depends on the type of break. A simple fracture may only require a brace or cast to stabilize the knee while the bone heals. Complex knee fractures often require surgery to repair the kneecap if the bone is separated into several pieces.

Symptoms of a Kneecap Fracture

Knee fractures can occur in sports injuries, falls or vehicle accidents – any event that causes a direct blow to the knee. A stable fracture may only be a crack in the kneecap, but displaced fractures can result in the pieces of bone splitting within the knee. Whether the fracture is stable or displaced, it requires immediate medical attention and treatment. Symptoms of a kneecap fracture include:

• Pain and swelling in the front of the knee
• Difficulty straightening the knee
• Difficulty walking
• Inability to lift leg when straightened

If you are involved in an accident and believe you have a fractured kneecap, you need a skilled orthopedic physician. Contact us at Robotic Hip and Knee Replacement LA for an exam and consultation with Dr. Farzin Kabaei, our knee specialist and orthopedic surgeon. Call our clinic in Beverly Hills to schedule your appointment for knee fracture treatment.