Knee Fractures

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Knee Fractures

Knee fractures are breaks or cracks in the bones that make up the knee joint, namely the patella (kneecap), the distal femur (lower end of the thighbone), and the proximal tibia (upper end of the shinbone). These fractures can range from minor cracks to severe breaks that can affect the stability and function of the knee.

Dr Yas Edirisinghe is an Australian-trained orthopaedic surgeon with subspecialty training in knee arthroscopy and arthroplasty to treat a variety of knee conditions, including knee fractures.

Types of Knee Fractures

Knee fractures can occur in various parts of the knee joint, each with unique characteristics and treatment requirements.

Patella fractures involve the kneecap, a small, oval-shaped bone with a slight point at the base that protects the front of the knee joint. These fractures can be classified into several subtypes:

  • Stable Fractures: The bone pieces remain aligned, and the kneecap stays in place.
  • Displaced Fractures: Bone fragments are out of alignment, requiring more complex treatment.
  • Comminuted Fractures: The patella is shattered into multiple pieces.
  • Open Fractures: The skin is broken, exposing the bone, which increases the risk of infection.

Tibial plateau fractures involve the upper part of the tibia (shinbone), where it meets the knee joint. These fractures are often complex and can affect the stability and function of the knee. They are classified based on their location and severity:

  • Lateral Plateau Fractures: Affect the outer portion of the tibial plateau and are more common.
  • Medial Plateau Fractures: Involve the inner portion of the tibial plateau and are less common but more severe.
  • Bicondylar Fractures: Involve both the medial and lateral parts of the tibial plateau.
  • Depressed Fractures: The bone is driven downward, creating a concave defect.

Distal femur fractures occur in the lower part of the femur (thighbone), just above the knee joint. These fractures can be categorised based on their pattern and complexity:

  • Transverse Fractures: A straight horizontal break across the bone.
  • Comminuted Fractures: The bone is broken into multiple pieces.
  • Intra-Articular Fractures: The fracture extends into the knee joint, affecting the cartilage.
  • Extra-Articular Fractures: The fracture does not extend into the knee joint.

Causes of Knee Fractures

There are various causes for knee fractures, including:

  • A fall directly onto the knee is a common cause, especially in older adults.
  • High-impact collisions like car accidents can cause severe fractures to the knee joint.
  • Sports activities that involve sudden impacts, twists, or direct blows to the knee can result in fractures.
  • Any significant blow to the knee, such as from an object or another person, can cause a fracture.

Symptoms of Knee Fractures

Knee fracture symptoms include:

  • Severe pain in the knee
  • Swelling and bruising around the knee
  • Inability to bear weight or walk
  • Visible deformity or misalignment of the knee
  • Limited range of motion in the knee
  • Tenderness around the knee area

Diagnosing Knee Fractures

The process of diagnosing knee fractures begins with a thorough physical examination to assess the knee for swelling, bruising, deformity, and range of motion. X-rays are then used to provide detailed images of the bones, allowing Dr Edirisinghe to identify the type and extent of the fracture. CT scans offer a more detailed view for complex fractures, aiding in surgical planning, and in some cases, an MRI may be utilised to assess soft tissue damage and ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the injury.