Patellar (Kneecap) Fracture Treatment
A patellar fracture is a serious injury to the small bone at the front of your knee, often requiring immediate specialized intervention to restore mobility. At Austin Orthopedic Institute, our fellowship-trained surgeons provide comprehensive evaluations and personalized recovery plans to get you back on your feet. Request an appointment today at one of our four locations.
Understanding Patellar Fractures and Symptoms
The patella acts as a shield for your knee joint and is vital for leg extension. When a break occurs, the pain is usually immediate and debilitating. Common symptoms of a kneecap fracture include:
- Inability to straighten the knee or keep the leg extended.
- Severe swelling and bruising around the front of the joint.
- Tenderness to the touch and difficulty bearing weight.
- A visible gap or “step-off” in the bone under the skin.
Common Causes of a Patellar Fracture
Most fractures result from sudden, high-energy trauma to the knee. Common causes of a patellar fracture include:
Direct Falls:
Landing directly on the kneecap on a hard surface.
Motor Vehicle Accidents:
Hitting the knee against the dashboard.
Direct Blows:
High-impact sports injuries or falling objects.
Sudden Contractions
Violent muscle spasms pulling the bone apart.
Our Approach to Care
Identifying Key Symptoms
The patella acts as a shield for your knee joint and is vital for leg extension. When a break occurs, the pain is usually immediate and debilitating. Common symptoms of a kneecap fracture include:
- Inability to straighten the knee or keep the leg extended.
- Severe swelling and bruising around the front of the joint.
- Tenderness to the touch and difficulty bearing weight.
- A visible gap or “step-off” in the bone under the skin.
Advanced Surgical Procedures
- Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF): Realigning bones manually.
- Tension Band Wiring: Using wires and pins to hold fragments.
- Cannulated Screws: Internal hardware for compression and stability.
- Partial Patellectomy: Removing small, unfixable bone fragments.
Recovery and Rehab
Recovery from a patellar fracture is a marathon, not a sprint, requiring a dedicated commitment to physical therapy. Our team guides you through a multi-phase program focused on restoring range of motion, strengthening the quadriceps, and improving gait stability. We monitor your progress closely through follow-up imaging to ensure the bone has fully fused before returning to high-impact activities. Start your recovery journey with AOI.
Meet Our Knee Pain Specialists
With over 130 years of combined experience, our doctors—including Dr. Hurt, Dr. Goldberg, Dr. Kilbride, Dr. Szerlip and Dr. Robin—are leaders in orthopedic trauma. Whether you visit us in Austin, Georgetown, Marble Falls, or Killeen, you receive subspecialty expertise tailored to your goals. We treat you as an individual, not a number, ensuring your rehabilitation is seamless from the first visit through final physical therapy.
Common Knee Pain Treatment Available at All Locations
Austin | Marble Falls | Georgetown | Killeen
Whether you visit us in Austin, Georgetown, Marble Falls, or Killeen, Austin Orthopedic Institute provides a full spectrum of advanced knee care. We combine cutting-edge technology with a conservative-first approach to ensure every patient receives the exact level of care their injury demands. Our universal knee services include:
✓ Robotic-Assisted Surgery: Utilizing Mako® and AR technology for precision.
✓ Biologic Injections: PRP and viscosupplementation for joint health.
✓ In-House Physical Therapy: Seamless coordination between surgeon and therapist.
✓ Diagnostic Imaging: On-site digital X-rays and comprehensive scan reviews.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Before Your Visit
We encourage you to take advantage of our complimentary MRI, X-ray, and CT scan review service. Send us your images, and one of our board-certified orthopedic surgeons will personally review them, offering an expert second opinion and letting you know if you need to come in.
During Your Visit
Conservative Care – We develop a personalized plan, with most patients starting with 6-12 weeks of non-surgical treatment.
Surgical Planning – If surgery is necessary, we use advanced computerized and robotic pre-operative planning for optimal, precise outcomes.
Recovery Support – We ensure close follow-up and coordinate your rehabilitation with our in-house physical therapy team for maximum recovery and a swift return to your active life.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Your journey to recovery starts with a precise diagnosis and a team that cares about your mobility. At Austin Orthopedic Institute, we combine cutting-edge technology with compassionate care to treat patellar fractures effectively.
Why Choose Austin Orthopedic Institute for Knee Care?
✓ Robotic Knee Replacement Specialists – Access to cutting-edge technology (Mako® & AR) for superior precision
✓ 100% Fellowship-Trained Knee Surgeons – Advanced, subspecialty expertise you can trust
✓ Same-Day & Next-Day Appointments – When you’re in pain, we’re here to help quickly
✓ Over 130 Years of Combined Experience – Decades of proven orthopedic success in Central Texas
✓ Comprehensive Care, All Under One Roof – From initial diagnosis to surgery and in-house physical therapy
✓ Conservative Approach First – We exhaust non-surgical options before recommending surgery
✓ Four Convenient Locations – Austin, Marble Falls, Georgetown, and Killeen
✓ Complimentary Second Opinions – Free review of your existing MRI/X-ray/CT scans
Our Locations
Austin Orthopedic Institute has four locations – Austin, Georgetown, Marble Falls, and Killeen. All of our providers go to the main office in Austin and our Georgetown location. Only Dr. Hurt visits our Marble Falls satellite location and only Dr. Robin visits the Killeen satellite location.
Austin
Marble Falls
Killeen
Georgetown
Related Services
Hip Pain & Surgery
Sports Medicine
Orthopedic Trauma
Physical Therapy
Austin Orthopedic Institute surgeons has been proudly serving Central Texas since 2004, providing exceptional orthopedic care with a personal touch. Your injury is unique to you—we treat it that way.