Patella Fracture – Understanding the Injury and Its Treatment

A patella fracture (kneecap fracture) is a common knee injury that usually occurs due to a direct fall on the knee, sports injury, or road traffic accident. The patella plays an important role in the knee extensor mechanism, helping the quadriceps muscle straighten the leg for normal walking and movement.

In some cases, the fracture becomes displaced, meaning the broken bone fragments move apart. A two-part displaced patella fracture disrupts the normal knee function, making it difficult or impossible for the patient to straighten the leg or walk properly.

Such fractures usually require surgical fixation using K-wire and Tension Band Wiring (TBW). This procedure helps to realign the broken fragments, stabilize the bone, and restore the knee’s extensor mechanism, allowing proper healing and recovery.

If a displaced patella fracture is not treated surgically, it may lead to persistent pain, weakness, inability to walk normally, and long-term knee disability.

With early diagnosis, proper surgical treatment, and physiotherapy, most patients can regain good knee function and return to normal daily activities.

Dr. M. Kalaivanan, MS (Ortho)

Orthopedic Surgeon