Patella Fracture: Episode 85

  • In this episode: Patella fractures are thankfully not common. They do however; pose a unique set of challenges when recovering from them.

  • Chip Review @ (13:42): Kettle – New York Cheddar (Thank You Karin)

  • Trivia question of the week @ (12:27): What was stolen in the Shel Silverstein poem “Stop Thief!”?

  • Follow us on Instagram: 2pts_n_a_bagofchips and/or Twitter @2PTsNaBagOChips to see photos, video and get additional episode specific information throughout the week.

  • Thanks for listening!!

 

To Subscribe, Review and Download select your preferred hyperlink below 

Apple Podcasts:

Google Play:

Youtube: 

Stitcher: 

Podbean: 

Spotify:

 

 

Brief overview of the episode:

 

            The Patella, better known as the kneecap can sustain a fractured. This will typical happen as a result of trauma, usually a fall directly onto the knee, or any blunt trauma directly to the front of the knee. In rare instances a large eccentric (lengthening while contracting) load through the quadriceps can also cause a patella fracture.
            Thankfully a patella fracture makes up only 1% of all bone injuries. This occurs at a 2:1 ratio male to female and generally ages 20-50.
            Fractures are labeled either simple or complex. With patella fractures typically a complex fracture is a horizontal break causing disruption of the extensor mechanism, while simple fracture are vertical or partial fractures.
            Knee pain following blunt trauma that results in inability or sharp decline in walking ability, as well as swelling, range of motion loss, weakness and difficulty or inability to straighten knee are all signs of patella fracture. X-ray is the best way to visual the patella and will show any fracture.
            Treatment will be either surgical for complex fractures or at a minimum bracing for simple. The patella will heal in 6-8 weeks to point where increased physical activity can be performed. Depending on the specifics of the fracture physical therapy will usually be initiated following an immobilization period this can be a short as a few days but will be typically be following 6-8 weeks.
            Long-term problems do arise with osteoarthritis. Anytime a surface containing cartilage is damaged there is much higher potential for longer-term arthritic changes. In the short term return to most activities will occur between 3-6 months and return to sport and higher level activities is usually between 6-12 months.

Other episodes you might enjoy:  

Ice or Heat?: Episode 23

Shin Splint: Episode 17

ACL Recovery: Episode 13

Patella Femoral Pain Syndrome: Episode 32

 

Whiplash: Episode 69

  • In this episode: Whiplash is the mechanism of injury not a diagnosis. There are Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD), and they are the much more common, strain, sprain, disk issues, fracture etc…

  • Chip Review: Aloha Edibles – Furikake Potato Chips (Thank You Khem) –  (10:20)

  • Trivia question of the week: Hawaii is the only state that grows this agricultural product? (8:49)

  • Follow us on Instagram: 2pts_n_a_bagofchips and/or Twitter @2PTsNaBagOChips to see photos, video and get additional episode specific information throughout the week.

  • Thanks for listening!!

To Subscribe, Review and Download select your preferred hyperlink below

Apple Podcasts:

Google Play:

Youtube: 

Stitcher: 

Podbean: 

Brief overview of the episode:

 

             The biggest take away from this podcast is that we want people to understand that whiplash is a mechanism of injury not a diagnosis. Whiplash is defined as; the head moves backward then forwards suddenly. This is most common with a rear-ended motor vehicle accident (MVA). But can also happen during sport, a fall, amusement part rides or really anything where the head changes quickly. Whiplash will result in what are known as whiplash associated diagnosis (WAD).
            WAD will include sprains, strain, disk issues, fractures, concussion, neural issues and any other possible cervical related diagnosis. Most individuals will experience a delay in symptoms following the accident of about 24 hours. The immediate fight or flight response typical causes people to feel Ok immediately following an MVA. In many cases people will wake up the following morning with neck pain, stiffness and ROM loss. There can be headache as well as radicular symptoms with more sever cases.
            If a fracture is suspected or you have immediate numbness or tingling in the extremities please do not delay and head right to the emergency room. It is extremely important to rule out fractures as soon as possible. As TV and movies have shown over the years, a cervical collar has been prescribed to most people following a whiplash related injury.
            What the evidence is finding is that immobilization is one of the worst things you can do when you have a stiff, sore and painful neck (when there is no fracture or neurological injury). The best home treatment is to move the neck within your pain free range and work to increase you range of motion as able.

 

Other episodes you might enjoy:

Radicular Pain: Episode 22

Cervicogenic Headache: Episode 10

Shoulder Pain: Episode 4

 

© 2023 Rebound PT website by bluerth