Knee Fracture Diagnosis and Treatment by Expert Orthopedic Surgeons at Mercy

The most common knee fracture occurs when the small bone (kneecap) in front of the knee joint breaks from blunt force or trauma. It is also possible to fracture the knee joint itself, which includes the bottom of the femur (thighbone) and the top of the tibia (leg bone).

The most common symptoms of a knee fracture are:

• Swelling and bruising around the knee
• Inability to straighten or flex the knee joint
• Inability to walk

A doctor will conduct a physical exam of the knee to check for fractures. Depending on the type of fracture, the doctor may be able to feel the fracture during an exam. Most often an X-ray is performed to confirm the location and type of fracture.

An experienced physician can determine the best treatment option for the type of knee fracture.

Non-surgical treatment - If the knee is not displaced (the broken pieces of bone have not moved), a cast or splint may be recommended for a period time to aid in healing. A doctor may also determine the patient should not bear any weight on the knee for a period of time.

Surgical treatment – If the fracture is more severe, surgery will be required to bring the pieces of bone back together with pins, screws and/or wires.

Physical therapy is often prescribed as part of the recovery process to improve range of motion and overall health of the knee.