Kneecap (Patella) Fracture Treatment in Sinnamon Park

What are the causes?

The cause of an knee fracture can vary in severity, and can greatly impair mobility and function.

Some common factors which can trigger a fracture include:

• Falls– force absorbed by the knee
• Trauma– car accidents or high-contact activity
• Sports-related injuries– sudden impact against the knee
• Abnormal, rapid and sudden pressure– against the knee joint (sometimes also causing dislocation)
• Health contraindications– low vitamin D/calcium + other nutrients, genetic predispositions (bone weakness), comorbid diagnoses (Knee OA, etc.), etc.

Treatment for a kneecap fracture

If you have fractured your patella, it is important to seek out immediate medical treatment. You will likely be referred for CT, X-ray or MRI scans to determine the extent of the injury. Surgical intervention may be recommended as a method of treatment – whether that be the insertion of pins to stabilise the joint, to a complete knee replacement.

Physical therapy is also highly beneficial in rehabilitating the structures around the knee after a fracture to increase range of movement and strength. At Vitalis Physiotherapy, we tailor a unique treatment plan to aid in your recovery through:

Your physiotherapist may also advise heat or ice application, rest and if necessary, pain medication. Additionally, they might recommend for you to use supportive braces or belts.

• Stretching, strengthening and/or conditioning exercises
• Restoring range of movement
• Postural improvement
• Joint mobilisation
• Soft tissue release (massage)
• Shockwave Therapy
• Dry needling
• Taping
• A unique home exercise program
• Graded Exposure to load program