Broken kneecap

The kneecap is the hard bone at the front of the knee. It plays an important role mainly in extending the knee. The kneecap can break. Below it is described how a broken kneecap can occur and what the consequences are.

The medical term for the kneecap is 'patella'. A broken kneecap is also called a patella fracture.

How does a broken kneecap occur?

Almost always a hard blow, a so-called high-energy trauma, is the direct cause of a broken kneecap. Such a trauma occurs when a body part comes into contact with something with very great force or speed, i.e. with a lot of energy. An example is the collision of the kneecap against the car dashboard during a collision or a fall on the knee.

In many cases a broken kneecap is accompanied by injury to the knee ligaments, the surrounding muscles and/or the articular cartilage.

Symptoms of a broken kneecap

Immediately after the accident there is severe pain at the front of the knee and it is impossible to extend the knee or to bear weight on the leg. As a result of the break, bruising or swelling may also become visible at the level of the kneecap.

How is the diagnosis of a broken kneecap made?

The (general) practitioner will ask what happened and examine the knee. If a break in the kneecap is suspected, the doctor will (have) an X-ray taken. Such an image clearly shows whether the kneecap is actually broken and at which spot.

If necessary, the knee will be further examined in hospital, using an MRI or CT scan. These images show whether there is damage to the knee ligaments or the muscles around the knee. All the information together determines the best treatment.

Treatment of a broken kneecap

There are two options for the treatment of a broken kneecap: with or without surgery. This is largely determined by the severity and direction of the break.

If it is a fracture line in the longitudinal direction and the bone fragments have not shifted, it can be decided to allow the broken kneecap to heal without surgery. The knee will then be provided with a plaster splint for six weeks. After this period the knee may be strengthened through physiotherapy.

In more severe fractures, surgery is always chosen. The broken parts are then fixed together with screws and metal tension wire. After an operation, a period of six to eight weeks is also advised before the knee may be (lightly) loaded again. This time is needed for the bone fragments to grow firmly back together.

After the advised rest period it is wise to gradually increase activities again under the guidance of a physiotherapist. The knee can feel quite stiff and the thigh muscles will also have lost a lot of strength and volume. The physiotherapist will focus the treatment on mobilisation techniques, exercise therapy, taping and treatments to reduce pain.

Find a physiotherapist here who will help you recover well from a broken kneecap.