Bone breaks around the knee :

Anyone fracture patella and NOT have surgery? - - Posted by LisaL (LisaL), 1 September 2004

I had a small avulsion fracture back in January that was not surgically repaired.  I'm still having pain in the area of the fracture.  I was wondering if anyone had a similar experience.
Posted by whatzmyname (whatzmyname), 2 September 2004

My OS said if you dont operate on it,it would get worse the older you get. You will get arthritis and end up in a wheelchair being unable to walk because of the pain in doing it. Fractures must be operated on and fixed. The sooner the better. He said he has seen so many people who did not go for an operation and later on had to have an total knee transplant. Small things become big things. Have yourself checked out before too much time has passed.
Posted by Pat_A.E. (Pat_A.E.), 9 September 2004

Not all patella fractures require surgery.  If the bone is still aligned then surgery maynot be required, however it still needs to be imobilized and non-weight bearing.  Initially I was told my fracture (actually shattered) patella did not require surgery.  However, after 10 days the bone pieces shifted and needed to be wired.  The surgery resulted in problems I probably would not have had otherwise.  
I strongly advise you to get professional opinions on why your knee is still painful.  Physical therapy might be helpful.
Posted by irishfred (irishfred), 11 September 2004

Hi there.  I had a fracture last December of the left patella.  No surgery!  I did have an imobelizer(sp) that I wore for 8 weeks.  I was faithful to Drs. orders and di not use the knee until told I could.  I did use the hot tub about 4 times a week which I am convinced helped in being able to rehab muscles when I got back to using the leg.  

I just came in from push mowing the lawn...1 acre...no pain!  I was ver y lucky to have a fracture that stayed alinged!  


Posted by shubbaz (shubbaz), 16 October 2004

Hi Irishfred. I fractured my patella 6 weeks ago. I did not have to have surgery as it was not displaced. I have been in a full leg plaster since then, and walking with crutches. The plaster comes off on Tuesday 19th(3 days away). Then I have another xray to make sure it has knitted properly. Just wondering how long it took you to get flexion back in your knee? Did you do hydrotherapy or Physio, or both? I am on workcover, as I did it at work. Fell over on some pavers out the back of the Tavern where I work. I do not have a sedentary job, but work behind the bar, so on my feet all the time. I'm hoping for a quick recovery so I can get back to work asap. Did you have any pain with you rehab? Cheers from Australia.   Cheryl

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