What is a Knee Fracture?
The knee is a hinge joint made up of three bones: the thighbone (femur), the shinbone (tibia), and the kneecap (patella). The leg can bend and straighten because of the knee.
A broken knee is known as a patellar fracture. If you fall directly on your knee or get a direct blow to the patella, you could suffer from a knee fracture. A twist while bearing weight can also cause a knee fracture.
There are four types of knee fractures and they are as follows:
- A stable, or non-displaced fracture – When the pieces of bone are still touching or are only a millimeter or two apart. Most stable fractures heal quickly. They happen when none of the bones are broken, but one or more of them is cracked or chipped
- Displaced fracture – When a broken bone or bones cause the other bones to move out of place. They don’t line up right, and this kind of break usually needs surgery to realign and stabilize the bone
- Comminuted fracture – When the bone breaks into three or more pieces. The doctor will examine the bone of the knee and if the shape of the break is stable, the best way to treat the injury is to keep it from moving. If the pattern of the break is not stable, surgery may be needed to fix or remove one or more pieces of bone
- Open fracture – When pieces of bone poke through the skin or a wound goes all the way to the bone. This often hurts the soft tissues around it, which can take a while to heal
What are the Symptoms of a Knee Fracture?
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Unable to bend the knee
- Possibly the bone coming through the skin
Knee Fracture Treatment
Treatment will vary depending on what type of fracture you are suffering from. If it is a hairline fracture, the patient will need to keep their knee still for a few weeks. A cast or splint may be put on the knee to stop it from moving and to keep the bones in place while they heal.
If a fracture causes displacement or other problems, like open wounds or dislocations, surgery may be needed to fix the damage. Surgeons can realign the knee and get rid of any extra pieces of bone. The pieces of the knee bone may be held together with screws, pins, or wires.
Knee Fracture Recovery
Recovery time from a knee fracture can take from 3 to 6 months or more depending on the severity of the break and the treatment needed to repair it. Complications can include arthritis, chronic pain, or muscle weakness.
Knee Fracture Care in South Carolina
If you are experiencing knee fracture symptoms, reach out to us here at Carolina Orthopedic & Neurosurgical Associates (CONA) to schedule an appointment. Our team of experts is ready to help you find pain relief and resume your normal activities.
Need an appointment?
Fill out our appointment request form or call our office directly at 864-583-CONA. For sudden or urgent injuries and pain, visit our Orthopedic Urgent Care in Greenville and Spartanburg.