Knee fractures are a common injury, particularly among older adults and athletes. Fractures can occur in any part of the knee, including the kneecap, thigh bone, or shin bone, and can range from simple cracks to more severe, compound fractures. The symptoms, treatment, and treatment of knee fractures will be discussed in this article.
Causes of Knee Fractures
Knee fractures can be caused by several factors, including:
- Traumatic injury: A traumatic injury, such as from a fall, car accident, or sports injury, is the leading cause of knee fractures.
- Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens the bones, making them more susceptible to fractures. It is particularly common in older adults.
- Overuse: Fractures can also be caused by the repetitive stress placed on the knee, as seen in athletes who engage in running or jumping sports.
Preventing Knee Fractures
If you want to lower your chances of suffering a knee fracture, you can do so by, among other things:
- Eating healthily if you want to save your knees from wear and tear
- Strengthening the knee-supporting muscles through routine exercise.
- By wearing the right footwear, you can lessen your chances of a horrible fall.
- Taking calcium and vitamin D supplements to support bone health
- Avoiding high-impact activities that put excessive stress on the knees
Symptoms of Knee Fractures
Seek immediate medical attention if you think you may have a knee fracture. Knee fracture symptoms often include:
- Pain: Extreme pain in the injured knee is the hallmark of a knee fracture.
- Swelling: Swelling is also a common symptom of knee fractures.
- Difficulty bearing weight: If you cannot bear weight on the affected knee, this may be a sign of a fracture.
- Stiffness: Stiffness in the knee can also be a symptom of a fracture.
Treatment Options for Knee Fractures
The severity of a knee fracture will determine how it is treated. Some common options for a fractured knee treatment in Melbourne include:
- Cast or brace: Sometimes, a cast or brace may be enough to treat a knee fracture. The cast will immobilize the affected area and allow the bone to heal. The cast will keep the injured area immobile, facilitating the healing process.
- Surgery:A knee fracture may require surgery if it is particularly severe. Screws, pins, and plates are all potential fixation devices in knee surgeries.
- Medications:You can treat the pain from a knee fracture with over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
- Rest:Resting the affected knee and allowing it to heal is important. Crutches or a knee brace help keep weight off of the affected leg.
- Ice: Applying ice to the affected knee can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Physical therapy:Regaining mobility and strength in a fractured knee is possible with the help of physical therapy.
Surgical Treatment Options
- Knee arthroscopy:Knee arthroscopy is a surgical procedure used for the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of knee conditions, including knee fractures. A tiny camera is inserted into the knee joint to take pictures of the inside of the joint, making this a minimally invasive procedure. The surgeon can then make the necessary repairs with miniature instruments.
- Open reduction and internal fixation:This method requires a larger incision to be made in the knee in order to get to the fracture, making it a more invasive procedure. Afterward, the surgeon will use hardware, such as screws, plates, or rods, to keep the bone in place while it heals.
- Total knee replacement:In some cases, a knee replacement may be necessary if the injury is too severe to be treated with other surgical options.
- Anterior cruciate ligament tear treatment: The Anterior cruciate ligament tear treatment is done for individuals who have suffered a tear in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), a common injury in the knee joint. The treatment options for an ACL tear can include physical therapy, bracing, and surgery, such as an ACL reconstruction.
Recovery from Knee Fractures
The recovery process for knee fractures varies depending on the severity of the injury and the treatment received. Physical therapy and rehabilitation may be required for patients undergoing conservative treatment to regain strength and mobility. After surgical intervention, physical therapy and rehabilitation will also be necessary to aid in the healing process and restore knee function.
To make sure you get better, you should follow the recovery plan your doctor gives you. Recovering from a knee fracture may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation to reduce swelling, as well as physical therapy and exercises to regain strength and mobility.
Conclusion
Knees enable walking, running, and jumping. Pain, swelling, and the difficulty to lift a fractured knee can make even routine tasks impossible. Knee injuries require surgery, physical therapy, and a long rehabilitation. Preventing knee fractures requires a healthy weight, regular exercise, proper footwear, and avoiding high-impact activities. See an orthopedic immediately if you suspect a knee fracture. Orthopedists can diagnose and treat injuries with rest, ice, knee arthroscopy, open reduction, and internal fixation. They also improve knee strength and mobility.
