Introduction
A knee fracture is a break in the cap called a patella fracture. It occurs in the knee cap, which covers the knee joint. The usual cause of knee fracture is trauma that is caused due to a fall or blow in the knee cap. These fractures may be simple or complex. Knee fractures are treated through surgery. It may take some time to heal and is always left with side effects.
What Is a Knee or Patella Fracture?
A knee or patella fracture is a small break in the knee cap, a small, flat bone that protects and shields the knee joint. Direct trauma, like a severe knee fall or a car accident collision, generally causes it. This fracture is considered a severe injury that may impact the ability of the person to bend or straighten the knee. Some of these fractures may be simple, but as it is a small bone, the knees are likely broken into many pieces.
What Are the Causes of Knee Cap Fracture?
Knee fracture is caused due to direct impact on the knee. Based on the force, it may result in a hairline crack or breaking into two or many pieces. The extensor function of the knee will not function properly after a knee fracture. When injured through the fracture, the cartilage, which provides a cushioning effect to the knee, may result in post-traumatic arthritis.
What Are the Types of Knee Fracture?
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Stable Knee Fracture:
A stable knee fracture is also called a nondisplaced fracture. In this form of fracture, the broken pieces of the bone remain in the right place. These broken pieces may be connected or separated from each other by a few millimeters. These fractures usually do not require any surgery, and the doctor immobilizes the region using extensions such as a knee immobilizer, a hinged knee brace, or a cast as much weight is added depending on the person's comfort.
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Displaced Knee Fracture:
As the name indicates, the broken pieces are displaced from their original place and do not align in case of a displaced knee fracture. These broken pieces can be fixed through surgery, which helps heal and recover the knee's function.
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Transverse Knee Fracture:
In this form of knee fracture, the knee bone is broken into two pieces, which requires surgery to be fixed. There are many methods to fix the broken pieces, and the surgeon decides the best method.
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Comminuted Knee Fracture:
In comminuted knee fractures, the knee bone can be broken into three or more pieces, which can be stable or unstable. When the fracture is unstable, it may be because of small pieces of bone that need to be eliminated during surgery.
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Open Knee Fracture:
In an open knee fracture, the skin that covers the knee is broken open, possibly due to the penetration of the bone through the skin or some other thing that has broken the skin from the outside. An open fracture requires proper treatment with antibiotics and surgery to clean the wound thoroughly. This form of fracture is highly prone to infection, so it is essential to treat this fracture immediately.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Knee Fracture?
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Pain.
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Swelling.
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Bruising.
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A palpable patellar defect is a change in the knee cap that can be felt through the skin.
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Unable to straighten the leg.
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Unable to raise the extended leg.
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Unable to walk.
How Is a Knee Fracture Diagnosed?
The doctor enquires about the signs and symptoms that the person experience and the sequence of events that occurred at the time of injury. The knee will be examined. The doctor may ask the person to extend the leg. If not possible, then surgical intervention may be required. Some can even feel the corners of the fractured bone through the skin.
The doctors will check for open wound and the presence of hemarthrosis, which are the blood from the fractured bone being collected in the joint, which results in excessive swelling. An X-ray or CT (computed tomography) should be taken, which defines the fracture.
How Is Knee Fracture Treated?
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Examination:
The treatment method for knee fracture depends on the nature of the break formed. The doctors will start to physically examine the knee and check for any symptoms of hemarthrosis. In the case of hemarthrosis, some blood should be drained, followed by an X-ray to determine the fracture. If the fracture occurs is a stable fracture, then the bone will be healed without any surgery.
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Surgery:
Surgery is required to return the displaced broken pieces to their original place. The broken bone pieces present far apart will take time to come back together as the strong muscles attached to the knee will pull the broken pieces apart. An orthopedic surgeon uses screws, pins, plates, and wires to reconnect the broken pieces. Small pieces of bone may be removed through surgery, and the tendon will be reattached to the bone.
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Rest:
The person may be sent home with a cast, splint, or brace to restrict the knee's movement and enhance healing. The doctor will recommend how much weight to bare and how much the knee can be bent. The doctors will prescribe over-the-counter painkillers, periodic icing, and elevation, which help reduce the swelling.
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Rehabilitation:
Physical exercise is vital to maintain the mobility of the knee, where the injury may result in muscle stiffness and weakness. Physical therapy should focus on strengthening and stretching.
What Is the Long-Term Outlook for Knee Fractures?
Most of the fractures heal within five to six months depending on the severity. In rare cases, people experience complications throughout life. These may include:
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Permanent loss of knee mobility, especially the ability to bend and extend.
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Chronic knee pain.
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Post-traumatic arthritis results when the cartilage, which provides the cushioning effect to the knee, is damaged. About 50 % of people experience arthritis after a few years.
Conclusion
Knee fracture is not common, but when the knee is fractured, the person may undergo long-term recovery. The pain is manageable with painkiller medications. It is very important to be patient and bear with the healing process. The guidelines suggested by the doctors should be followed, and too much strain should be avoided immediately after recovery.
