Patella Fracture
What is it? A fracture of the knee cap.
How does it present? The patient usually has a history of trauma to the knee cap and will have pain and swelling of the anterior knee over the knee cap.
Common exam findings: Tenderness over the patella and ecchymosis and swelling. If the extensor mechanism is disrupted by the fracture, the patient will be unlikely to be able to do a straight leg raise (raising their leg with their knee fully extended).
Tests and treatment: Patellar fractures can often be seen on routine knee x-rays with a sunrise view. If a patellar fracture is identified, referral to orthopedics is indicated. If the patient can do a straight leg raise, a non-operative approach to treatment may be considered.