KNEE FRACTURE SURGERY
A knee fracture is a result of a breakage in the bones that compose the knee. The knee consists of four parts: the kneecap, thigh bone and shinbone, also known as the tibia. The fourth is a slim bone called the fibula. Any of these four bones are susceptible to injury. The most prevalent type of knee fracture is a broken kneecap (patella), the front part of the knee, which acts as a natural protective guard should you fall directly on your knee(s). A fracture of this nature prevents you from straightening your knee and walking.
Dr Gupta assesses your injuries by examination and imaging studies which leads to decision making for the type of treatment. A plaster or splint when a patella fractures is an option. However, if pieces of the bone move out of position, your orthopaedic Doctor has to treat these patella fractures by performing surgery.
All fractures are classified explicitly as non-displaced, displaced, comminuted and open or closed fractures. In a non-displaced fracture, the bones are in close contact or just a mere space apart, leaving the broken bone surfaces primarily intact. A displaced fracture is more severe than a non-displaced breakage as the alignment of the bone pieces is no longer intact. When the bone breaks into multiple fragments doctors refer to this as a comminuted (multiple fragments) fracture. Open fractures occur when the bone splits and moves out through the skin or the fracture communicates with the exterior, whereas closed fractures are not visible from the skin's surface.
Knee fractures occur due to various reasons related to trauma, sports injuries, car accidents or a bone condition known as osteoporosis. You may be unaware of your condition until you suffer from a sudden fracture. Osteoporosis is the slow weakening of the bones, which happens over many years until it becomes so weak that even a minor fall can cause breakage. Fractures from osteoporosis are more common with aging.
Symptoms of a knee fracture include:
- Swelling, pain and bruising of the knee
- Immobility of the knee
- Inability to straighten the leg
- Grinding feeling in the knee as bones rub together
Treating fractures is sometimes a complicated process but depends on your diagnosis and nature of the fracture. Dr Gupta uses splints or casts to stabilise simple knee fractures, allowing the bone to unite (knit) in time. Severe knee fractures require surgical correction using wires, pins, plates and screws to mend bone and restore your mobility. Small bone fragments cannot be fixed into place and, therefore, may need to be removed.
FAQ
The injury can take six weeks to heal with medical intervention. A dislocation can occur due to a sudden twist or blow to the knee.
It can take three to six months for a minor fracture to heal. However, severe fractures may take longer to heal.
Dr Gupta will recommend a walking aid such as crutches for a few weeks or more after you sustain the fracture.