Doctronic navigation menu Log In
Doctronic navigation menu
Contents
  • Initial Signs to Watch For
  • Assessment Techniques
  • When to Seek Help

Is Your Knee Pain a Patella Fracture? Learn the Signs!

Is Your Knee Pain a Patella Fracture? Learn the Signs!

Spot the Symptoms

Knee pain is common, but when is it a sign of a patella fracture? Let's uncover the symptoms that could indicate a fracture.
Contents
  • Initial Signs to Watch For
  • Assessment Techniques
  • When to Seek Help

Initial Signs to Watch For

After a knee injury, swelling and acute pain in the patella area are immediate signs to consider. You might also notice difficulty in extending your knee or even a visible gap in the extensor mechanism. These symptoms suggest that the knee's extensor mechanism may be compromised, indicating a possible fracture.

Assessment Techniques

Doctors use specific techniques to evaluate a suspected patella fracture. They might ask you to extend your leg against gravity or perform a straight leg raise. These tests help determine if the extensor mechanism is intact. Joint aspiration or intra-articular injections might be necessary to relieve pain and better assess the knee function.
A patella fracture is a break in the small bone at the front of your knee, often caused by direct trauma or a fall. Symptoms include swelling, acute pain, and difficulty extending the knee.

When to Seek Help

Seek medical attention if you experience severe pain, significant swelling, or inability to move your knee. Any suspicion of an open fracture or internal injury requires immediate evaluation. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further complications and aid in quicker recovery.

FAQs

What are common symptoms of a patella fracture?

Common symptoms include knee swelling, pain, and difficulty extending the leg.

How is a patella fracture assessed?

Doctors may use leg extension tests and imaging like radiographs.

When should I see a doctor for knee pain?

Seek medical attention for severe pain, swelling, or mobility issues.

Is joint aspiration necessary?

It may be performed to relieve pain and assess knee function.

Be Informed

Recognizing the symptoms of a patella fracture early can lead to more effective treatment and recovery.
Get started: Talk with Doctronic to understand your knee symptoms and get the right diagnosis.
Additional References
  1. Wilkerson RG, Stone MB. Ultrasound identification of patella fracture. Wilderness Environ Med 2009.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.