An acute patella injury involves damage to the patella or kneecap from a fall onto the knee or sustaining a direct strike. In some cases, the injury might be severe enough to cause a fracture.
Direct impact from a hockey stick, football boot or any hard object can lead to a variety of injuries including a fractured patella, dislocation and even damage to the cartilage beneath the patella.
Management of an acute patella injury
In case there is likelihood of the patella to be fractured, an X-ray must be taken. If there is no damage to the bone, the injury is managed conservatively with adequate rest, cold therapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen. This simply means that an acute patella injury requires rest and cold therapy are part of the treatment until it recovers.
Taping of the patella for any tender spots is also carried out. The activities that must be avoided include squatting or moving down the stairs since these places pressure on the patella.
How to deal with a fractured patella
Once an individual has a fractured patella, it is vital that proper assessment is carried out using an X-ray since some have a natural split known as a bipartite patella. In case a fracture is established and not a complete type, treatment usually involves the placement of a splint with the leg straightened. As the break recuperates over the following weeks, the degree in which the leg can bend is increased.
As for cases in which the fracture is nearly complete or fully complete, surgery is required which involves fixation of the patella. In some cases, surgical repair of the quadriceps muscles is also needed. A rehabilitation program is started after surgery.
More Information / Disclaimer
The information posted on this page on an acute patella injury is for learning purposes only. Learn to recognize and manage knee joint injuries by taking a standard first aid course with Toronto First Aid.