Clinical Presentation & Protocol
Patient Usually Complains Of
Patient presents with acute left knee pain following direct trauma. Reports inability to bear weight and localized swelling. No neurovascular deficits noted. Mechanism of injury consistent with high-energy impact to the anterior knee.
Clinical Examination Findings
Left knee examination reveals significant prepatellar edema, ecchymosis, and palpable stellate bony crepitus. Tenderness to palpation over the patella. Active straight leg raise is limited by pain. Distal pulses (DP/PT) are 2+ and symmetric; capillary refill < 2 seconds. Sensation intact to light touch in all dermatomes.
Treatment Protocol
Diagnosis: Closed stellate fracture of the left patella (S82.022A). Plan: Immobilization in a knee immobilizer in full extension. Non-weight bearing status. Pain management with NSAIDs/analgesics. Orthopedic surgery consultation for evaluation of articular congruity and surgical fixation candidacy.