How is a patellar fracture diagnosed?
Treatment will depend on the kind of fracture your child has. Your child may need one or more of the following: • Cast or splint: Keeping the broken knee from moving after surgery is very important. A cast or splint may be put on your child’s knee to keep the patellar bone from moving. • Medicines: Medicines may be given to help with your child’s pain. Your child may need an antibiotic or tetanus shot if the fracture also has an open wound. • Supportive therapy: Ice packs may be put on your child’s knee to decrease swelling, pain, and redness. Physical therapy may be needed once swelling and pain are gone. A physical therapist may assist your child with special exercises. This may help his leg and knee recover faster and become stronger. Your child may have to use crutches to help him walk. Crutches will also help your child take some weight off the injured knee while it heals. • Surgery: Surgery is sometimes needed for complicated patellar fractures. Caregivers may make an incision (c
