A person with a knee fracture has broken one of the bones that make up the knee joint: the thigh bone (Femur), the kneecap (Patella), or the shin bone (Tibia). This occurs when the bone cannot withstand outside forces, often as a result of trauma or disease. Fractures can range from a small crack in the bone to a complete separation. While most people with knee fractures recover completely, some fractures result in poor muscle strength and disability.
Los Angeles knee specialist, Dr. Millstein, has years of experience working with patients to repair their knee fractures. Dr. Millstein will thoroughly examine the extent of your knee fracture and recommend the best treatment plan to repair your knee and get you back to your daily activities and favorite athletic activities as soon as possible.
How Do I Know I Have A Knee Fracture?
Knee fractures can occur from direct or indirect forces to the knee. A fall, motor vehicle accident, sports injury, or any other direct blow to the knee often causes a fracture. Symptoms of a knee fracture include severe knee pain, swelling, knee deformity, decreased range of motion, and an inability to move or stand on the injured knee.
Knee Fracture Repair
Treatment for a knee fracture is based on the severity of the fracture and the bone involved. For example, mild fractures of the patella can sometimes be treated with immobilization, while fractures of the femur require some form of surgical stabilization, and displaced patellar fractures generally require surgery. Finally, tibia fractures are highly variable and need individual assessment prior to developing a treatment plan.
For severe knee fractures, surgery is needed to realign the knee. The specific approach is decided by classification of the fracture along with the degree of displacement, which can be either displaced or un-displaced.
– All displaced fractures are treated surgically, usually with the use of screws, plates, and nails.
– All un-discplaced knee fractures can be treated by a groin to toe plaster cast. Depending on the age and general condition of the patient, the cast will be applied for a period of 6 to 12 weeks.
Usually, nonsurgical treatment includes rest, elevation, cold compresses, and the application of a knee splint or leg cast. Other measures include narcotic pain medications or anti-inflammatory medications for pain.
Dr. Millstein is a highly experienced, board certified orthopedic surgeon in Beverly Hills, California. He has been very successful in helping patients recover from a variety of knee fractures. If you are a first time patient or need a second opinion, Dr. Millstein will take care of you. Just call (310) 595-1030 to schedule an appointment.
