How to care for a patellar fracture

Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
Updated on September 22, 2024
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A patellar fracture occurs, the first step is to immobilize the patellofemoral joint. During treatment, the primary goal is to prevent the formation of lower limb thrombosis. Therefore, early on, patients can be actively guided to contract the quadriceps and calf triceps muscles, while also performing dorsiflexion and flexion exercises of the ankle joint to avoid ankle stiffness. As the condition stabilizes, a cushion can be placed under the knee joint to allow for active flexion of the knee. If the fracture has stabilized, the patient can sit at the edge of the bed and let the knee naturally flex downward. If there is difficulty, the healthy limb can be used to help push and squeeze the injured limb to achieve a flexion close to ninety degrees. Patients can also lie in bed, hug their thighs with both hands, and flex the knee joint beyond ninety degrees to enhance this type of knee exercise.

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
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Symptoms of rib fracture

After a rib fracture, the main symptom is pain. This is because the intercostal nerves located in the rib area are very rich, making the pain quite intense. Especially when the patient coughs or sneezes, and when the abdominal pressure increases, the pain can get quite severe. Also, when the patient changes their position, such as moving from sitting to lying down, or from lying down to sitting up to standing, the pain is very apparent. Additionally, another sign that may appear is local crepitus or a sensation of bone rubbing. That is, when pressing with a hand, one might feel the rubbing of the fractured bone and hear a crackling sound under the hand. Moreover, a rib fracture could lead to the accumulation of fluid or air in the chest cavity. If there is fluid or air in the chest cavity, it can be accompanied by difficulties in breathing and poor respiratory function, shortness of breath, and other related symptoms. These are some common symptoms of rib fractures.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Fractures are categorized into several types.

In short, fractures can be classified into the following types: First, based on the integrity of the skin and mucous membrane at the fracture site, it can be classified into closed fractures and open fractures. Second, based on the shape and degree of the fracture. It can be categorized into oblique fractures, transverse fractures, spiral fractures, comminuted fractures, greenstick fractures, impacted fractures, compression fractures, and bone injuries. Third, based on the stability of the fracture ends, it can be classified into stable fractures and unstable fractures. Among unstable fractures, these include oblique fractures, spiral fractures, and comminuted fractures. Thus, fracture classification fundamentally falls into these major categories.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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How to exercise with a patellar fracture?

After a patellar fracture occurs, through immobilization or surgical treatment, it's possible to actively contract the quadriceps early on to strengthen muscle exercise and avoid muscle atrophy. Ankle pump exercises can also be performed, which are beneficial for the contraction of the calf muscles in the lower limbs, can help prevent thrombosis, and aid in the recovery of function. After the removal of external fixation or once the wound has healed, one can actively flex the knee joint. For example, by sitting at the edge of the bed with the knee naturally hanging, the knee joint can be flexed to 90 degrees. If there is difficulty in bending, one can push the healthy limb backward against the injured limb to help bend the knee joint. For exercises exceeding 90 degrees, one can lie flat on the bed, then flex the hip joint while holding the thigh of the injured limb with both hands, and allow the knee joint to naturally bend through gravity. This exercise can help restore the flexion and extension functions of the knee joint.

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
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Can I take calcium tablets for a fracture?

After a fracture, there are generally several stages a person will go through. These can typically be divided into the following stages: hematoma organization stage, fibrous connection stage, initial callus stage, mature callus stage, and then the remodeling stage. During these periods, the area of the bone is undergoing a metabolic process involving both osteoclasts and osteoblasts. During this metabolic process, calcium is required, and a deficiency in calcium can affect the healing of the fracture. Therefore, it is advised that patients with fractures should take calcium supplements. Along with calcium, it is also recommended to supplement with vitamin D, which can enhance bone absorption and calcium absorption, aiding in the healing of fractures. Thus, the conclusion is that fracture patients can indeed take calcium tablets.

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
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How to care for a rib fracture

For a rib fracture, first, the patient should pay attention to rest. Local effective and secure external fixation should be done. You can tie a chest band or a rib fixation band on the affected area to stabilize the fracture, which can effectively relieve pain and is beneficial for the healing and growth of the fracture. Then, in terms of diet, it is important to consume high-protein, high-energy, high-nutrient, low-fat, and easily digestible food, such as fish, milk, eggs, lean meat, shrimp shells, and some fresh vegetables. These foods are rich in nutrients and also contain a lot of calcium, which helps the healing of fractures. This is the method of recuperation for a rib fracture.