Falling directly onto your kneecap is a common cause of patellar fractures. These fractures are serious injuries and often require surgery to heal. Though they only account for about 1% of all fractures according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, they vary a lot. The kneecap can crack slightly or be broken into many pieces and can occur in any area of the kneecap.
Symptoms
- Pain and swelling in the front of the knee
- Bruising
- Inability to straighten knee and/or walk
Diagnosis and Treatment
You may not need surgery if the pieces of broken bone have not been displaced. If surgery is necessary, the orthopedic surgeon secures the bone using wires and pins or small screws, and removes bone fragments too small to be fixed back into place.