Patellar fractures are primarily caused by a direct impact of the kneecap against an external object (e.g.: falling and hitting the ground with the knees), however, in some rare cases, they can occur through indirect mechanisms, where the quadriceps muscle maximally contracts and leads to the injury (often associated with high-intensity tasks). Depending on the position of the fragments after the injury, patellar fractures can be classified as displaced, when the segments are significantly apart from each other, or non-displaced. Aside from the relationship between segments, the direction of the fracture, which can be transverse, marginal, vertical, etc. plays a role in deciding the best management strategy. After reporting a fracture, patients typically present with pain, swelling, inflammation, decreased knee functioning and potentially a kneecap deformity depending on the injury itself and the degree of bony segment displacement.
