Recovery time from a fractured petulla? See inside.

(Please note that injuries and their impact very greatly from athlete to athlete.)

Also, to set your mind a little more at ease, this is from Bill Simmons and an injury expert just recently on Twitter:

@injuryexpert: We need u. How bad is fractured patella tendon career-wise? Also, this was left knee, he had microfracture on right. Fluke?

@sportsguy33: Its not bad career wise. Dumb luck injury and fx heal. Not related in any way to microfx. Just bad luck.

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Treatment:

Displaced fractures (the type Oden has) of the patella are treated surgically to stabilize the fragments. Metal pins, screws, wires, or plates may be used to hold pieces of bone together. In cases in which too much bone has shattered, a partial or complete removal (excision) of the patella itself (patellectomy) may be performed. Surgeons generally retain as much of the original patella as possible to aid the knee in maintaining strength. Following surgery, the knee usually will be immobilized in a brace. Weight bearing and walking are permitted as tolerated as soon as possible after surgery. Exercises to strengthen important muscles of the leg are begun immediately and range of motion exercises are begun at 4 to 6 weeks after surgery. A healed fracture and a strong quadriceps muscle permit a return to vigorous activity in 6 months.

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Prognosis:

Generally a good outcome can be expected in about 90% of properly selected patients from nonoperative treatment of nondisplaced patellar fractures (Lyn; Schwartz). Outcomes of surgery to repair displaced patellar fractures vary according to the type of fracture, patient comorbidities, and the operative technique used. Partial excision of the patella may result in some loss of motion, but results appear to improve when as much of the original patella as possible is retained. Total patellectomy results in some loss of strength, but ordinarily good function of the extremity is maintained.

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Rehabilitation:

The goals of rehabilitation after a patella fracture are to reduce pain and to restore function of the involved limb. The rehabilitation protocol depends upon the type, severity, and operative or nonoperative management of the fracture. If the fracture is managed operatively, postoperative rehabilitation is guided by the treating physician. Regardless of how the fracture is managed, the knee may be immobilized for a certain period of time (Bucholz). The physician will indicate when the immobilizer can be removed for exercise.

Early rehabilitation includes gait training with assistive devices, such as canes or crutches, as needed. Individuals are immediately instructed in exercises to prevent loss of motion and strength in adjacent joints. Ankle exercises are taught to promote circulation, and individuals are encouraged to perform these intermittently. Modalities including heat and cold can be used to control pain and edema (Braddom). As guided by the treating physician, range of motion, strengthening, and proprioceptive exercises of the involved joint can be initiated and progressed as indicated and tolerated by the individual (Bucholz). Once the fracture is healed, exercises are continued until strength is restored in the knee joint, a normal gait is observed, and full function returns.

Rehabilitation may not begin until tissue healing, about 6 to 8 weeks after the fracture.

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Complications:

Complications associated with a fracture of the patella may include wound infection, stiffness, loss of fixation, and arthritis. Persistent knee (patellofemoral) pain can continue for some time after treatment and has been reported in up to 56% of patients (Lyn).

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Return to Work:

Individuals whose injuries require surgery may need time off from work for extensive physical therapy during the recovery phase after surgery. Avoidance of squatting, crawling, or kneeling for several months, along with use of a cast or protective brace, may be necessary. Other activities to be avoided until recovery is complete include jumping, twisting, lifting, pushing, or lunging.