Fracture of Knee Cap - Diagnose

A knee cap fracture can be diagnosed with the help of physical examination and diagnostic imaging techniques like x-ray and MRI.

• On examination, the doctor can feel the edges of the fracture through the skin, especially if the fracture is displaced. The doctor also checks for a swelling deep inside the joint (hemarthrosis) that is usually a result of bleeding caused by the fracture.
• X-rays showing the front and side views of the affected area are the most commonly available and widely used diagnostic technique.
• In some cases, MRI scans are required to view the extent of fracture.