Mom Got A Little Too Adventurous...

Well, Mom and I went bowling tonight with The Colony Women's League, and we were scoring pretty well. Mom went up to roll the ball, and when she went to step forward her feet didn't slide on the floor, causing her knee to twist and roll. She heard something pop and couldn't walk or stand on her leg anymore.

After sitting for a while waiting to see if it would get better, Mom and I made the decision to go to the hospital. We got there at around 8:30 pm and didn't get home until about 11 pm. She has a fractured patella (the top bone in your kneecap) and maybe some torn ligaments. She has to go see an ortho doctor tomorrow for a follow-up. They gave her a script for some pain-killers and anti-inflammatories, but has chosen to take the Advil route.

She's in a good amount of pain. She can't straighten her leg or stand on it. They put her in a knee immobilizer right now, and that was painful to watch.....trust me! She has to stay off of it for a while and wonders how she is gonna work, sleep, and go potty. I told her she just needs to take a disability vacation....if there is such a thing. I offered no solution for the potty problem, partially because I don't really have one. Hey, when you gotta go, you GOTTA GO!!

I'm suppose to leave tomorrow to dog sit for some family friends in Frisco until Saturday. I don't know how that is gonna work out because I want to be home with Mom. I guessing that Dad will have to work from home to take Mom to her doctor's appointments and take care of her. We will try to keep you posted as much possible. Send your prayers this way for a speedy recovery!!

Here's some more info on patella fractures....

What is a patella fracture?

A fracture of the patella is an injury to the kneecap. The kneecap bone is one of three bones that make up the knee joint. The patella is lined with cartilage on its undersurface, and is important in providing strength of extension of the knee joint.

How does a patella fracture occur?

A patella fracture most often occurs from a fall onto the kneecap. When this occurs, the fracture can be associated with abrasions and lacerations to the skin overlying the injury. Patella fractures can also occur when the quadriceps muscle is contracting but the knee joint is straightening. When the muscle pulls in this manner, the patella can fracture.

What is the treatment of a patella fracture?

When a patella fracture occurs, the patient should be seen in the emergency room. X-rays will be obtained to determine the type of fracture and the amount of displacement of the fracture. One of the critical factors in determining the treatment of a patella fracture is the examination of the patient. Specifically, it should be determined if the patient can perform a straight leg raise. A straight leg raise test is done by having the patient lie flat on a bed. With the leg straight, the patient should then raise their foot off the bed and hold it in the air. This tests the function of the the quadriceps muscle and its attachment to the shin bone. A disruption of the quadriceps tendon, patella, or patellar tendon can lead to inability to perform a straight leg raise. If a straight leg raise can be done, then non-operative treatment may be possible in the setting of a patella fracture.

When is surgery necessary for a patella fracture?

Patients with nondisplaced, or minimally displaced, fractures who can perform a straight leg raise (as described above) can usually be treated without surgery. A long leg cast or a knee immobilizer can be used for treatment of these types of patellar fractures.

When surgery is necessary, an incision is made over the front of the knee joint. The fractured ends are realigned and held in place with some combination of pins, screws, and wires. In some cases, a portion of the patella can simply be removed, but this is usually done for smaller fracture fragments.

What is the rehabilitation following a patella fracture?

Following a patella fracture, patients will need to keep their knee in a straight position to allow for initial healing. Exactly when the knee can begin moving depends on the strength of the repair your surgeon is able to achieve. Gentle motion can usually begin in the first weeks following surgery.