Undisplaced patella fracture

Overview and healing

• An undisplaced patella fracture is a break to your kneecap.
• It can take about six weeks for this fracture to heal.
• It is important to start exercises as soon as possible. Instructions are further down this leaflet.
• Smoking will slow down your healing. We advise that you stop smoking while your fracture heals.
• Talk to your GP or go to www.smokefree.nhs.uk for more information.

Pain and swelling

• Your knee will be swollen, and you will have some pain.
• Swelling is often worse at the end of the day.
• Taking pain medication, raising your foot and using ice or cold packs will help. More information about this is on the next page.
• It is normal to have mild pain and swelling for three to six months.

Walking and your brace

• The knee brace must be worn day and night.
• You can only take it off to wash or use a cold pack.
• You must keep your knee straight and replace the brace when you are finished.
• You are allowed to put weight through your foot.
• You may find it easier to use crutches in the early stages.

Follow up

• You will see a knee specialist about two weeks after your injury.
• They will talk about the next stage of your rehabilitation.
• If you have not received your appointment letter within one week, please contact us.

Any questions

• Contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic team if you are:
  • worried about your symptoms
  • cannot follow this rehabilitation plan
  • have pain anywhere other than your knee.

Caring for your injury

• Remember to wear your brace. The specialist will tell you when you no longer need the brace.
• This video provides you with a guide for fitting your brace: https://vimeo.com/386673392
• Using a cold pack will help with your pain and swelling.
• You can use an ice pack or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel.
• Put this on your knee for up to 15 minutes every few hours. Make sure the ice is not in direct contact with your skin.
• Try to rest your knee, especially in the first 24-72 hours.
• Raise your leg on a stool or cushions to that it is above the level of your hip. This will help to reduce your swelling.

Exercises

• It is important to move your ankle and foot early. This helps your blood flow and lowers the risk of a blood clot (Deep Vein Thrombosis).
• Do these exercises 3 to 4 times a day. Start today. Stop before the exercises become painful.

Ankle Exercises

• Rest with your leg supported.
• Point your foot up and down.
• Repeat this 10 times.

Static Quadriceps Exercise

• Rest with your leg supported and straight.
• Gently tense the muscles in your thigh and try to straighten your knee further.
• Hold for five seconds and repeat 7-10 times.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am struggling with my brace. What do I do?

• Make sure all the straps are tight and your kneecap stays in the middle of the opening.
• Check it regularly, as the brace can slip down.
• If you need more advice, contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic.

I am diabetic, does this change things?

• If you have diabetes, please talk to a healthcare professional about this.

When can I start driving?
You can return to driving when:

• You are no longer using your brace
• You can walk comfortably
• You can perform an emergency stop pain free. Always test your ability to drive in a safe environment first.

How can I get a certificate for work?

• You can get a ‘Fitness for work statement’ from your GP or the doctor at your Fracture Clinic appointment.

What do I do with my boot and crutches when I no longer need them?

• We cannot reuse braces. Do not return them to the hospital.
• You can return crutches to the Fracture Clinic or A&E.

How do I contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic?
Call us on 020 7288 3310 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)
email whh-tr.fracturevirtualclinic@nhs.net

With thanks to Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust for kindly sharing their information sheets with us with full permission to use contents and images.