If a knee fracture gets severe, it may require surgery. A kneecap or a patella is a small bone that connects the thigh bones and your leg bones. The function of the patella is to protect the knee joint by acting as a shield. The bones of the patella, thigh, and legs are enclosed with articular cartilage, a slippery fluid that allows smooth bone movement when you walk. As the kneecap is a shield, it can get injured in tripping or falling. Knee fractures differ not only in the damaged area but also in the level of damage.
The kneecap could break into parts or slightly crack. It could happen at the center or top or lower areas of the patella. It could also exist in several portions of the kneecap. Some other variations could be displaced fracture, stable fracture, comminuted fracture, and open fracture. In stable fracture non-displaced fracture, the broken parts would be aligned, and they also remain in position at the time of the healing process. The broken parts aren’t aligned but are separated in a displaced fracture. Usually, this needs surgical correction.
An open fracture is a fracture when the damage isn’t only to the bone but also to the neighboring muscles, tendons, and ligaments, and the skin may open to make the bone visible. This occurs during excessive damage, and it is a complicated case. A comminuted fracture occurs when the bone gets shattered into more than 3 parts, it is known as a comminuted fracture.
What is a Knee Fracture?
A knee fracture is a break in any of the bones that form the knee joint, primarily the patella (kneecap), the lower end of the femur (thighbone), or the upper end of the tibia (shinbone). It usually results from high-impact injuries such as falls, accidents, or direct blows to the knee. The break can range in complexity, from a small crack to a complete shattering of the bone. Some fractures stay in place, while others may shift or cause the bones to separate. The integrity of the knee joint is often affected, which can interfere with its ability to bear weight or move properly. In more severe cases, the surrounding soft tissues, like ligaments or cartilage, may also be involved. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the fracture and may require stabilization through casting, bracing, or surgery to promote proper healing and maintain joint function.
What Are the Types of Knee Fractures?
Knee fractures involve a break in one or more of the bones that form the knee joint: the femur (thighbone), tibia (shinbone), and patella (kneecap). The main types of knee fractures include:
- Patellar Fracture – A break in the kneecap, often caused by a direct fall or impact.
- Distal Femur Fracture – A fracture near the bottom end of the femur, affecting the upper part of the knee joint.
- Proximal Tibia Fracture – A break at the top of the tibia, which may also damage cartilage and ligaments.
- Tibial Plateau Fracture – A specific type of proximal tibia fracture that affects the knee surface, impacting joint stability.
- Avulsion Fracture – Occurs when a small piece of bone is pulled off by a ligament or tendon during injury.
Each type varies in severity and treatment, depending on displacement, joint involvement, and associated soft tissue damage.
What Are the Risks Involved in Knee Fractures?
The risk involved in knee fractures includes a direct impact on the knees. This happens when you fall while playing sports or walking, or in motor vehicle accidents.
What Are the Causes of Knee Fractures?
Usually, patellar fractures are caused by a direct blow to the kneecap, because of a vehicular accident or a fall. Sometimes, the kneecap can also get fractured by the violent contraction of thigh muscles.
What Are the Symptoms of Fractures in Knee?
Common symptoms of a knee fracture include:
- Sharp or severe pain immediately after the injury
- Swelling that develops quickly around the knee
- Bruising or skin discoloration near the affected area
- Difficulty moving the knee or bending it properly
- Pain while walking or an inability to put weight on the leg
- Visible deformity or irregular shape of the knee (in some cases)
- Tenderness to touch or pressure around the joint
- Feeling of instability, as if the knee might collapse
- Numbness or tingling, especially if nearby nerves are affected
- Cracking or popping sound at the time of injury
Fracture of knee can vary in severity depending on which bone is broken, such as the patella, femur, or tibia. Medical attention is essential for accurate diagnosis and proper healing.
How to Prevent Knee Fractures?
To prevent knee fractures, you must take the following points into consideration:
- Be extra careful if you are old and have other bone disorders like osteoporosis
- Careful when you play or walk on slippery surfaces
- Exercise mildly to improve your body balance and strength
What is the Treatment for Knee Fractures?
The surgery is performed by skilled orthopedic surgeons. The surgeons use various orthopedic products in the surgery that are provided by the orthopedic product manufacturer. The locking plate system of Siora comprises implants and instruments that are used in knee surgeries.
