Question 1

What is the kneecap and why is it important?

Accepted Answer

The kneecap (patella) is a small triangular bone sitting in front of your knee joint. It's embedded in the quadriceps tendon (connects thigh muscle to shin bone). The kneecap acts like a pulley - it increases the leverage of your quadriceps muscle by about 30%, making it much more efficient at straightening your knee. This is why a broken kneecap is serious - if not fixed properly, you lose strength for walking, stairs, getting up from chairs, and squatting. The kneecap also protects the knee joint from direct impacts.

Question 2

Will I need surgery for my broken kneecap?

Accepted Answer

Most patella fractures need surgery (80-90%). Surgery is required if: fracture pieces displaced more than 2-3mm apart, fracture in multiple pieces, you cannot lift your leg straight (extensor mechanism disrupted). Only 10-20% of patella fractures are non-displaced enough to treat without surgery - and even these need very close monitoring (weekly X-rays) because they can displace during healing. If your fracture needs surgery, it's important - trying to avoid surgery when needed leads to permanent knee weakness and dysfunction.

Question 3

What is tension band wiring?

Accepted Answer

Tension band wiring is the standard surgical technique for fixing patella fractures. Two parallel wires or screws are placed through the kneecap pieces, then a figure-8 wire loop wraps around them. This converts the force of your quadriceps muscle (which normally pulls kneecap apart) into compression force (squeezing fracture together) - hence 'tension band'. Very effective technique. Downside: the wires are prominent under skin at front of knee (you can feel them easily). This bothers 20-30% of people who have the metalwork removed in a second surgery after fracture heals (12+ months later). Alternative: screws with strong suture instead of wire (less prominent).

Question 4

When can I bend my knee after surgery?

Accepted Answer

Timeline depends on fracture stability. Simple 2-piece fractures: gentle passive bending (physiotherapist moves knee for you) starts at 2 weeks, active bending (you move it) at 4-6 weeks. Comminuted (multiple pieces) fractures: may need brace locked straight for 6 weeks before any bending. Early controlled motion is important to prevent stiffness, but must protect fixation. Your surgeon will give specific instructions based on your fracture pattern and how solid the repair is. Most people achieve 90 degrees bending by 8 weeks, 120+ degrees by 12 weeks. Full bending (130-140 degrees) may take 3-6 months.

Question 5

Will I be able to walk normally again?

Accepted Answer

Most people (85-90%) regain good walking function after patella fracture surgery and physiotherapy. However, full recovery takes time - expect to walk normally by 3-4 months. Long-term, some people have: slight stiffness (5-10 degrees less bending than other knee), anterior knee pain (especially kneeling, squatting, stairs), weakness compared to other leg (usually 10-20% weaker). These residual symptoms don't usually stop daily activities but may affect high-level sport. Outcome is much better with surgery than without (if fracture displaced). Physiotherapy compliance is critical - people who skip exercises have worse outcomes with more stiffness.

Medical Disclaimer

Broken Kneecap (Patella Fracture)

📖What is Broken Kneecap (Patella Fracture)?

🔬What Causes It?

⚠️Risk Factors

You may be at higher risk if:

🛡️Prevention