Symptoms of patellar fracture

Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
Updated on April 07, 2025
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Patella fractures often occur due to direct trauma, such as a sudden fall that can result in a fracture of the patella, and symptoms include localized pain, swelling, and limited flexion and extension of the knee joint. If the patella fracture is widely separated, the presence of a hollow state anterior to the patella can be used to diagnose the fracture. The treatment of a patella fracture should be chosen based on a comprehensive analysis of the displacement of the fracture and the displacement of the joint surface.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Rib fracture complications

Rib fractures often result from trauma and can involve a single fracture or multiple fractures in one rib. In severe cases, there might be multiple fractures across several ribs, causing a flail chest condition. Rib fractures initially lead to localized bleeding and swelling, making breathing difficult. This situation might also result in increased pleural effusion or hemothorax. In severe cases, it leads to significant breathing difficulties. Therefore, if a rib fracture occurs, it is advisable to visit the thoracic department of a formal hospital for medical consultation.

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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 Li Jie
Orthopedics
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Can you move with a fracture?

Regarding the question of whether fracture patients can move, we need to look at it from two aspects. We say that fracture patients can move and yet cannot move. Why do we say that fracture patients cannot move? Because after a fracture, we need effective reduction and fixation. After the fixation, the fractured area should not be vigorously moved, as the growth of the bone requires a stable environment. Therefore, we say that the fractured area should not move. However, we advocate movement for fractures. Why advocate movement? We can encourage performing activities with other parts of the body, and the distal part of the fractured limb can perform isometric muscle contractions and joint movements. Appropriate exercises are beneficial for reducing swelling locally, but the fractured area itself should be immobilized.

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Written by Dai Ru
Orthopedics
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How to immobilize a fracture

Fractures, based on the method of fixation, can be divided into external fixation and internal fixation. External fixation can further be divided into various methods, commonly including plaster fixation, small splint fixation, external fixator brace fixation, orthotic fixation, and traction fixation, among others. Internal fixation, depending on the type of internal fixation device used, can be divided into steel plate screw fixation, simple compression screw fixation, intramedullary nail fixation, etc. Regardless of the type of fixation, the main purpose is to maintain the stability of the fracture and promote fracture healing.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Bone fracture, hot compress or cold compress?

A fracture refers to the disruption of the integrity and continuity of the bone, leading to symptoms such as localized pain, swelling, and restricted movement. In the early stages of the injury, there may be bleeding, swelling, and pain. It is recommended to apply cold compresses to alleviate these symptoms. After the acute phase, choosing the appropriate treatment method, such as external fixation or internal fixation, is advisable. Once the condition has stabilized, applying heat may be beneficial to promote blood circulation around the tissues and aid in the recovery from the injury. Therefore, in the early stages of a fracture, it is important to primarily use cold compresses.