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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Left Patella Fracture

Hello, I fractured my left patella 8 days ago June 26 2014. It was not caused by a fall. It happened while trail running and rolled my right ankle (not unusual) and caught it quickly. As I caught it, I had my left foot planted on unstable area and I heard crack in my left knee. Received x-ray few hours later with knee immobilizer and crutches. Got into ortho next day for quick exam and he referred for MRI. I m pretty sure he said it s non-displaced. I feel kind of in the dark because not much was told to me about treatment plan. I hope to get in to see ortho this week since they ll have MRI info. I didn t receive patient education other than when I asked about going to the gym that weekend for upper body exercises, I was told to rest and no weight bearing . I m very healthy active 56 yr old female - lots of trails to run and peaks to hike! (5 ft 3 in and 105 pounds) I appreciate any thoughts you can share regarding restrictions, possible causes, expectations regarding treatment, recovery, and future running/hiking. Thank you so much!
Wed, 6 May 2015
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Sports Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Hello,

Thank you for contacting me at "Ask a Doctor". I will try to answer your question to the best of my ability. I'm sorry to hear about your injury - I'm a runner myself.

If the pieces of broken bone have not been displaced by the force of the injury, you may not need surgery. That is to say that the fracture is stable. Casts or splints may be used to keep your knee straight. This will keep the broken ends in proper position while they heal.

You will not be able to put any weight on your leg until the bone is completely healed. This may take 6 to 8 weeks, and perhaps longer. Most people use crutches during this period. After this you will need extensive physical therapy to include daily stretching and strengthening exercises at home and in the PT office.

I would expect you to make a 100% recovery - but it will take time. Hang in there.

I hope this information is useful for you. Please do not hesitate to message us back if you have any further questions.

Best wishes,

Adrian Rawlinson MD
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Suggest Treatment For Left Patella Fracture

Hello, Thank you for contacting me at Ask a Doctor . I will try to answer your question to the best of my ability. I m sorry to hear about your injury - I m a runner myself. If the pieces of broken bone have not been displaced by the force of the injury, you may not need surgery. That is to say that the fracture is stable. Casts or splints may be used to keep your knee straight. This will keep the broken ends in proper position while they heal. You will not be able to put any weight on your leg until the bone is completely healed. This may take 6 to 8 weeks, and perhaps longer. Most people use crutches during this period. After this you will need extensive physical therapy to include daily stretching and strengthening exercises at home and in the PT office. I would expect you to make a 100% recovery - but it will take time. Hang in there. I hope this information is useful for you. Please do not hesitate to message us back if you have any further questions. Best wishes, Adrian Rawlinson MD