A patella is a small flat bone present in our knees. It protects the knee joint and ensures smooth movement. Any break occurring at this bone is regarded patella fracture.

Just like other fractures, patella fracture is also a debilitating condition that limits the movement of the knee along with other painful symptoms. In this post, we will have a detailed look at what patella fractures are along with their diagnosis and treatment. Severe patella fractures always require Orthopedic Surgical Instruments.

Patella Fractures – An Overview

Patella is a small, flat bone over the knee joint. It protects the joint and serves as a shield. A break in this bone is known as a patella fracture. These fractures generally occur as a result of a direct injury to the knee like the ones caused by falling on the knees, automobile accidents, or a direct blow to the knee. These fractures affect the ability of the person to walk, bend, or straighten the knee.

Types of Patella Fractures

The pattern of break classifies patella fractures into different types:

Stable Patella Fractures

In stable patella fractures, the broken bone pieces do not move significantly out of their place. These fractures are also known as non-displaced fractures. In such cases, bone fragments either stay connected or get separated. Stable fractures can be managed with non-operative procedures that include the use of a cast, splint, or knee immobilizer.  

Unstable Patella Fractures

Unstable patella fractures often occur due to high-energy events like automobile accidents or a direct blow to the knee. In such fractures, broken bone pieces get displaced from their original place. To fix such fractures, surgery is required. It involves the use of orthopedic implant plates, pins, wires, and screws to realign broken pieces of the patella.

Transverse Patella Fracture

It is a condition in which the patella breaks into two pieces. Surgery is often required to fix the fracture using orthopedic implants and instruments. The type of surgery required may vary from person to person.

Comminuted Patella Fracture

Comminuted fractures are those in which the bone breaks into 3 more pieces. These fractures also occur because of high-energy trauma like car/bike accidents, or a high-intensity blow to the knees. These fractures can also be of two types, stable and unstable. In the case of unstable comminuted fractures, bone fragments can be tiny enough that they cannot be realigned and reattached. Such fragments are removed during surgery.

Open Patella Fractures

Open patella fracture is the most severe form in which the bone breaks and comes out of the skin. This can be an in-to-out or out-to-in injury. Emergency treatment is required in the case of patella fractures. In such cases, it is very important to give antibiotics to prevent infection.

Diagnosis of Patella Fractures

Diagnosis of the condition requires a physical assessment to examine the visible signs & symptoms followed by imaging tests to confirm the type of fracture and its severity. X-rays and CT-scan are required for that.

Treatment of Patella Fractures

The severity and the type of fracture decide the feasible treatment. Non-displaced fractures can be fixed with non-surgical treatments whereas, in the case of displaced, open, and comminuted fractures, surgery is required. The surgeon realigns the broken bone fragments during the surgery and stabilizes them using orthopedic implants like metal plates, screws, pins, and wires.

To get a CE-certified range of orthopedic devices, contact Siora Surgicals Pvt. Ltd., an experienced orthopedic device manufacturer in India. The company is also known to take part in various medical device trade shows that are organized around the globe. 

Article source: https://article-realm.com/article/Food-Beverage/Recipes/32744-A-Quick-Guide-to-Patella-Fractures.html