Ailments & ConditionsYour Health

Patellar Fractures (Broken Kneecap) – Things You Need to Know

Classifications

A patellar fracture can fall into the following categories:

– Stable fracture: The bone pieces might be separated a bit or stay in contact with each other.

– Comminuted fracture: The bone might shatter into several pieces. It can be either unstable or stable, depending on the particular pattern.

– Displaced fracture: The broken parts of the bone can be separated and aligned improperly. The usually smooth surface of the joint can also be affected. This form of patellar fracture usually needs surgery to put these pieces back together.

– Open fracture: This type involves bone breaks that stick out through your skin. It is especially serious because the risk of infection is high. That’s why immediate treatment is important. [3]