{"id":12525,"date":"2026-10-23T13:02:01","date_gmt":"2026-10-23T13:02:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/?p=12525"},"modified":"2026-10-23T13:31:18","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T13:31:18","slug":"kneecap-broken","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/kniescheibe-gebrochen\/","title":{"rendered":"Knee joint broken: healing, rehabilitation and physiotherapy"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"pl-12525\"  class=\"panel-layout\" ><div id=\"pg-12525-0\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-12525-0-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-12525-0-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"0\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<p>A fall directly onto the knee, on ice, from a bicycle or on the stairs, and suddenly the leg can no longer be straightened: then perhaps the knee is broken. <strong>Knee joint broken<\/strong>. The kneecap (patella) lies in the front of the knee joint and is an important part of the stretching apparatus. It transfers the force of the front thigh muscle to the lower leg. A fracture therefore severely restricts walking, getting up, and climbing stairs.<\/p>\n<p>After immobilization or surgery, mobility and strength in the knee are significantly reduced. In our practice in Z\u00fcrich-Wipkingen, we will guide you with a clear plan until your knee is fully capable of bearing weight again.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-12525-1\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-12525-1-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-12525-1-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"1\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<h2>Symptoms: How do you recognize a knee dislocation?<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Severe pain in the front of the knee after a fall or impact<\/li>\n<li>rapid swelling, often with bleeding<\/li>\n<li>They cannot actively stretch or lift the leg, or only with difficulty.<\/li>\n<li>sometimes a palpable gap or level at the kneecap<\/li>\n<li>Walking is hardly possible or not at all possible<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Not every injury in the front of the knee is a fracture. A bruise can cause similar pain. We describe other injuries after a fall in the article. <a href=\"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/knee-injury-after-accident-what-to-do\/\">Knee injury after accident: What to do?<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-12525-2\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-12525-2-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-12525-2-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"2\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<h2>When should you see a doctor?<\/h2>\n<p>If you are unable to straighten or load your leg after a fall, seek medical attention immediately. An X-ray will show whether the kneecap is broken and whether the fragments are displaced.<\/p>\n<p>During healing, you should immediately report any sudden swelling or pain in the leg, any redness or dryness of the scar after surgery, or any fever.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-12525-3\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-12525-3-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-12525-3-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"3\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<h2>How long does the healing process take if the kneecap is broken?<\/h2>\n<p>If the fracture has not shifted and the extension is still functioning, the knee is often immobilized in a splint or orthosis in extension position. If the fragments have separated or the extension is no longer possible, surgery is usually performed and the bone is fixed with wires or screws.<\/p>\n<p>The bending of the knee is then often gradually released, for example first to 30 or 60 degrees. Your doctor will set these limits. The bone usually needs about six weeks to heal completely. It often takes several months for strength and mobility to return completely. More about this in the article <a href=\"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/wound-healing-phases\/\">Wound healing phases<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-12525-4\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-12525-4-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-12525-4-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"4\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<h2>Self-help: What you can do yourself<\/h2>\n<p>If the kneecap is broken, you can do a lot yourself to help the healing process:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Stretching muscles:<\/strong> Stretch the anterior thigh muscle several times daily by gently pressing the lower part of the knee into the support if allowed. This will help the muscle lose less strength.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Store and cool:<\/strong> This helps with swelling, especially in the first few days.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Moving the foot:<\/strong> Move your foot regularly back and forth. This promotes blood circulation.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Comply with specifications:<\/strong> Bend your knee only as far as is permitted and wear the splint as directed.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Avoid falls:<\/strong> Secure yourself on the stairs and be careful when you are slippery.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-12525-5\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-12525-5-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-12525-5-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"5\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<h2>Treatment in Physiotherapy<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-12536 alignright\" style=\"display: block; margin: 20px auto; max-width: 100%; height: 256px;\" src=\"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/kniescheibe-gebrochen-physiotherapie-zuerich-1024x572.jpg\" alt=\"Knee joint broken: Physiotherapist mobilizes the knee in the splint\" width=\"459\" srcset=\"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/kniescheibe-gebrochen-physiotherapie-zuerich-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/kniescheibe-gebrochen-physiotherapie-zuerich-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/kniescheibe-gebrochen-physiotherapie-zuerich-768x429.jpg 768w, https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/kniescheibe-gebrochen-physiotherapie-zuerich-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/kniescheibe-gebrochen-physiotherapie-zuerich.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>We begin with a detailed examination of swelling, mobility, strength, and gait, and we follow the recommendations of your doctor or specialist. We then base the therapy on these findings:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Activate muscles:<\/strong> Targeted exercises for the front thigh muscle so that the knee can be actively stretched and kept stable again<\/li>\n<li><strong>Flexibility:<\/strong> Mobilization of the kneecap and knee joint with <a href=\"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/offer\/manual-therapy\/\">manual therapy<\/a>, adjusted to the permitted bending<\/li>\n<li><strong>Swelling and scarring:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/offer\/manual-lymphatic-drainage\/\">Manual lymphatic drainage<\/a> and scar treatment after an operation<\/li>\n<li><strong>Early training:<\/strong> On our <a href=\"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/ergometer\/\">Special exercise bike<\/a> The crank can be shortened. This way you can already ride gently with little knee bending.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Strength and momentum:<\/strong> Walking training, stair training and strength building. With the <a href=\"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/force-measurement\/\">Power measurement<\/a> Let's compare both legs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Further information can be found on our pages. <a href=\"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/physiotherapy-after-surgery-zurich\/\">Physiotherapy after surgery<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/knee-pain-physiotherapy-zurich\/\">Knee pain<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-12525-6\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-12525-6-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-12525-6-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"6\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<h2>Knee joint broken: Who pays for the physiotherapy?<\/h2>\n<p>For physiotherapy, you need a medical prescription. A fall is considered an accident. If you are accident-insured through your employer, the accident insurance usually covers the prescribed physiotherapy in full, without a deductible or co-payment. We directly settle with the insurance company. All details can be found on our page. <a href=\"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/physiotherapy-after-an-accident-zuerich\/\">Physiotherapy after an accident in Zurich<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>If you are unable to reach the practice during the first few weeks, we will come to your home in the area of Wipkingen and H\u00f6ngg: <a href=\"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/offer\/mobile-physiotherapy\/\">Mobile physiotherapy<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-12525-7\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-12525-7-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-12525-7-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"7\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<h2>Frequently asked questions about the broken knee joint<\/h2>\n<h3>How long do I have to wear a knee brace?<\/h3>\n<p>Usually a few weeks. Your doctor will determine the exact duration and the extent to which you are allowed to bend your knee. We will tailor the therapy accordingly.<\/p>\n<h3>Why is the knee so stiff after healing?<\/h3>\n<p>Resting leads to adhesions and a weak thigh muscle. With regular mobilization and strength training, this usually improves significantly.<\/p>\n<h3>Can I kneel normally and do sports afterwards?<\/h3>\n<p>Many affected people can do this. Knees sometimes remain uncomfortable for longer periods. With targeted strengthening training, sports such as skiing or running are again possible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div id=\"pg-12525-8\"  class=\"panel-grid panel-no-style\" ><div id=\"pgc-12525-8-0\"  class=\"panel-grid-cell\" ><div id=\"panel-12525-8-0-0\" class=\"so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child\" data-index=\"8\" ><div\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tclass=\"so-widget-sow-editor so-widget-sow-editor-base\"\n\t\t\t\n\t\t>\n<div class=\"siteorigin-widget-tinymce textwidget\">\n\t<h2>Make an appointment<\/h2>\n<p>Has your kneecap been broken and do you need physiotherapy nearby? We will support you until your knee is fully able to bear weight again.<\/p>\n<p>Our practice is located at H\u00f6nggerstrasse 118 in Z\u00fcrich-Wipkingen, directly at the Waidfussweg tram stop (tram 50). Two parking spaces are available directly in front of the practice. Bring your medical prescription to the first appointment and, in the event of an accident, bring the damage number of your insurance company with you. Call us at <a href=\"tel:+41445859949\">044 585 99 49<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/tbooking.ch\/de\/book\/2047-2175\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\">Book your appointment online<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How to recognize a knee dislocation, how long the healing process takes, and how physical therapy makes your knee more resilient again.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":12536,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_mbp_gutenberg_autopost":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[73,68,71,1,85,78],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12525","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-knie","category-physiotherapiehoengg","category-physiotherapie-wipkingen","category-physiotherapie-zuerich","category-rehabilitation","category-was-tun"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12525","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12525"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12525\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12569,"href":"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12525\/revisions\/12569"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12536"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12525"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12525"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/physio-waidfuss.ch\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12525"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}