FAQs of Fractures Around the Knee

✅ Patellar Fracture: Break in the kneecap due to a fall or direct impact.
✅ Distal Femur Fracture: Fracture in the lower thigh bone, often seen in elderly individuals.
✅ Tibial Plateau Fracture: Break in the upper shin bone, affecting knee stability.
✅ Tibial Spine Fracture: Occurs at the ACL insertion site, common in young athletes.
✅ Fractures After Total Knee Replacement: Periprosthetic fractures around an implant.

🔸 High-impact injuries: Car accidents, falls, or sports trauma.
🔸 Osteoporosis: Weakened bones that break easily.
🔸 Overuse injuries: Stress fractures from repetitive strain.
🔸 Post-surgical complications: Fractures around knee implants.
🔸 Direct impact: A strong blow to the knee.

✔ Severe pain & swelling around the knee.
✔ Inability to walk or bear weight.
✔ Deformity or misalignment of the knee.
✔ Bruising or open wounds (in case of open fractures).
✔ Grinding or clicking sound in the knee joint.

🔎 Physical Examination: Checking knee pain, swelling, and mobility.
🔎 X-rays: Identifying the type and severity of the fracture.
🔎 CT Scan: Detailed imaging for complex fractures.
🔎 MRI Scan: Assesses ligament and soft tissue damage.

❌ No, not all fractures require surgery.
✔ Stable fractures can heal with a cast, brace, or splint.
✔ Displaced or severe fractures often require surgical fixation with screws, plates, or rods.
✔ Fractures around implants may require revision knee replacement.

⏳ Healing time depends on the severity of the fracture:
🔹 Minor fractures: 6-8 weeks with immobilization.
🔹 Surgical cases: 3-6 months for full recovery.
🔹 Severe cases: Up to 12 months for complete healing.

🚶‍♂️ It depends on the severity.
🔹 In minor fractures, patients can walk with a brace or crutches.
🔹 Severe fractures require a period of non-weight-bearing before starting rehabilitation.
🔹 Surgical cases may require physiotherapy to regain movement.

⚠️ Potential risks include:
🔴 Delayed healing or nonunion.
🔴 Knee stiffness & reduced motion.
🔴 Post-traumatic arthritis.
🔴 Implant failure (for previously replaced knees).

🛡️ Prevention Tips:
✔ Strengthen Bones: Take calcium & vitamin D.
✔ Use Knee Protection: Wear knee braces during sports.
✔ Prevent Falls: Install anti-slip mats & use assistive devices.
✔ Regular Bone Check-ups: Detect weak bones early.