What is it about ?
The knee joint is the joint that connects the thigh bone (femur) to one of the 2 bones in the leg (tibia).
The leg is made up of 2 bones:
- the largest, the tibia;
- the thinnest, the fibula, also called fibula.
The kneecap is a small, triangular bone located at the front of the knee joint. The femur, kneecap, and bones in the leg can crack or fracture. A knee fracture is generally due to a fall, a sports accident or a traffic accident (car, bicycle, etc.)
What is its frequency?
Knee fractures are rather rare.
How to recognize it?
After a fall or an accident, the knee continues to hurt and walking is difficult or impossible. It is also difficult to flex and extend the leg. Sometimes the knee cracks when moving the leg. The knee is usually swollen, blue, and hot.
In addition to the fracture, there are often other lesions (tear of the joint capsule, tear of one or more ligaments or the menisci). This can complicate the assessment.
How is the diagnosis made?
The main examination is the x-ray. It can confirm the diagnosis and estimate the severity of the fracture. In the case of serious fractures requiring surgery, a CT scan will be performed. It allows the surgeon to choose the type of operation.
What can you do ?
After an accident, it is better not to use the knee. Put an ice pack on the knee, and use a pillow to support the hollow of the knee. Walk with a crutch until the correct diagnosis is made. If you can no longer support yourself and cannot fully bend or extend your leg, it is best to contact a doctor.
What can the doctor do?
Treatment depends on the location of the fracture and how far the bone fragments have moved relative to each other.
Patella fracture
An undisplaced horizontal or vertical fracture does not require an operation. You wear a splint for 4 weeks to limit knee movement. You can support yourself with crutches.
A displaced or complex fracture requires surgery. After the operation, you should also wear a splint.
Fracture of the upper part of the tibia
A fracture with minimal displacement (1 to 2 mm) is treated without surgery. If the joint is swollen, a knee puncture is done to remove the blood. This will also help relieve the pain. You will need to wear a splint for 6 weeks.
For all other fractures of the upper tibia, surgery is required. The time and type of operation (fixation of the fracture) depend on the type of fracture, the possible presence of damage to the surrounding tissues, etc. After the operation, you will need physical therapy. This helps prevent complications, regain good mobility and regain some muscle strength.
Fracture of the upper part of the fibula (fibula)
The fibula or fibula is the lateral bone of the leg. The fibula fracture is usually associated with other lesions. She is rarely isolated. The treatment consists of placing an elastic bandage from the foot to the hollow of the knee.
Want to know more?
- The radiography, here, Where to find on this page of Saint-Luc University Clinics (UCLouvain)
- Scanner (CT-scan) – Erasme Hospital
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