Hello,
Two days ago, my daughter was hit by a car, resulting in a fractured patella in her knee.
She underwent surgery yesterday.
I would like your opinion on what we should do next to minimize long-term consequences.

A patellar fracture is a serious injury that requires time and patience to heal completely.

In the initial phase, it’s crucial to follow the surgeon’s instructions and remain immobilized for as long as necessary, usually between 4 and 8 weeks. If the type of surgery allows, physical therapy can begin right after the stitches are removed, aiming to maintain muscle strength and stimulate healing. After the immobilization is removed and the surgeon gives the go-ahead to bear weight on the knee, the intensive phase of recovery begins, with the goal of restoring full knee function.

The most common challenges during postoperative recovery include difficulty bending the knee, pain during movement, and persistent swelling. It’s important to understand that when the bone breaks, the cartilage covering it also tears. Typically, the bone heals faster than the cartilage, and this issue needs special attention during rehabilitation. Moreover, the trauma often damages other knee structures that don’t require surgical treatment but still need attention postoperatively. In any case, the guidance and advice of an experienced physical therapist would be very helpful.