The recovery time for broken kneecap surgery depends on the type of surgery performed, but complete healing may take up to two years, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. If pins or screws were inserted into the bones, these are removed one to two years after surgery.
The doctor schedules the surgery based around the condition of the fracture in the kneecap. If the bone fragments are too tiny, then the doctor may suggest removing these instead of connecting them, reports the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. To increase healing time, patients should work on strengthening the muscles around the knee, including the leg muscles, notes the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Icing the knee following surgery can also help with the pain, and doctors can prescribe medication to take after the surgery as well, reports the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
