9Possible Complications
Even when a patellar fracture is treated successfully, there might be a risk of complications in the long run:
– Muscle weakness: Some people might experience weakness in their quadriceps muscle after a patellar fracture. There might also a loss of knee motion, such as flexion and extension.
– Posttraumatic arthritis: This is a form of arthritis occurring after an injury. Even when the bones heal, the articular cartilage that covers these parts would be damaged, resulting in stiffness and pain over time.
– Chronic pain: This complication is not uncommon. Though the exact cause is still unknown, it might be associated with muscle weakness, stiffness, and posttraumatic arthritis. [9]
