Kneecap Fracture

This obviously follows direct trauma to the kneecap and presents as serious knee pain! Ther may have been a kick or fall on the kneecap.
Some simple undisplaced fractures heal well with splintage and natural healing. More complex fractures will require surgery to fix the kneecap and then allow early movement. It is extremely bad for the knee to be put in a cast after a serious injury due to the formation of scar tissue and inflammation inside the joint. Healing of the fracture will take 6-8 weeks and full recovery several months.
Occasionally a serious kneecap fracture will require complete removal of the kneecap (Patellectomy).
Many years after a kneecap fracture the kneecap may become arthritic due to the damage to the shock absorber layer on the under surface of the kneecap at the time of the fracture and subsequent continuing wear of this surface.