Does a patella fracture need surgery?

In most patellar fractures, however, the pieces of bone move out of place when the injury occurs. For these more complicated fractures, surgery is needed to restore and stabilize the kneecap and allow for the return of function.

Do you need surgery for a broken knee cap?

Symptoms of a broken kneecap (fracture) are swelling and pain, especially when moving the knee back and forth. You may not need surgery if the fracture has not moved your kneecap out of position. But sometimes surgery is needed to move the pieces of the kneecap back where they belong and to repair damage.

Can a broken patella be repaired?

Two types of surgery may be done to repair a fractured kneecap: Open reduction-internal fixation (ORIF) surgery: The surgeon opens the skin and puts the broken bones back together with metal wires, pins or screws. Broken pieces of bone too small to be fixed are removed.

Is patellar fracture an emergency?

Patella fracture A partial or total patellectomy may be required for severe comminution. Patients with open fractures should receive antibiotics, and orthopedics should be consulted for emergency irrigation and debridement.

How long does it take to recover from patella surgery?

Most people need surgery for a large patellar tendon tear. It usually takes 6 to 8 weeks for the tendon to heal after surgery, but it can take up to a year for a full recovery.

How is a hairline fracture of the knee treated?

The majority of hairline fractures will heal by themselves if the person refrains from activities that put a strain on the affected area. For the first 24 to 48 hours, a person can help the healing process by elevating the affected area and applying ice where possible.

When to have surgery for patellar luxation in cats?

With mild Grade I luxation, surgery may not be necessary. For most cats with patellar luxation, surgery is recommended sooner rather than later to minimize the likelihood that arthritis will develop. The higher the grade of luxation, the sooner the surgery should be performed.

What kind of surgery is needed for a patella fracture?

Surgery for Patella Fractures. For a fractured patella, NYU Langone doctors perform open reduction internal fixation surgery, a procedure to put the bone fragments back into place and stabilize the patella while it heals.

What should I do if my cat has patella pain?

If your veterinarian performs surgery before arthritis or other knee injury occurs, the prognosis is excellent. Your cat should regain full use of its leg. However, if arthritis has already developed in the knee joint, your cat may experience intermittent pain in the leg and the arthritis may progress.

Can a kneecap fracture be treated without surgery?

Doctors can sometimes treat people with a patella, or kneecap, fracture without surgery. A large tendon, called the quadriceps tendon, covers the patella and connects the thigh muscles to the lower leg bone.

When to surgery for luxating patella in cats?

Rest and medications may be needed from time to time if the knee issues recur. If conservative therapy is not effective and your cat is experiencing frequent pain and immobility, then surgical treatment may be necessary. This is often the case with Grade III and IV patellar luxation.

Is there a non-surgical treatment for a patella fracture?

Nonsurgical Treatment of Patella Fractures. Doctors at NYU Langone may suggest one or more nonsurgical treatments for a patella fracture if the quadriceps tendon remains intact and the fracture is not displaced, meaning the patella has fractured but has not broken into many separate pieces.

What should I do if my cat has a fracture?

When you and your vet have decided on a treatment plan, allow your vet to do what is necessary to treat the fracture. In many cases of fracture, surgery is the best treatment option. If the fracture is complex, your vet may refer you to a veterinary surgeon.