Fractured Patella
Definition
The patella (kneecap) is one of 3 bones that make up the knee joint. It runs in a groove at the end of the femur (thigh bone) and is covered by very thick articular cartilage on its undersurface.
It has a very important function with the ability to straighten the knee.
A patella fracture is a break in the kneecap.
It occurs most often from a fall directly onto the kneecap.
Xray of a broken kneecap (fractured patella)
Diagram of the Knee looking from the side
18 August, 2011