Knee Fracture Surgery in Pearland, TX

What Is a Knee Fracture?

Your knee joint consists of three major bones:

• The femur (thighbone)
• The tibia (shinbone)
• The patella (kneecap)

Any of these bones can break if they take enough force or impact. If it’s a small, stable crack, a cast might be all you need. But when the bones shift out of place, they need to be fixed surgically.

Signs That a Knee Fracture Needs Surgery

If a misaligned fracture doesn’t get treated, you’re looking at long-term problems: a stiff joint that won’t bend right, arthritis setting in way earlier than it should, and in some cases, permanent loss of function. Common signs your fracture may require surgery include:

• Severe, immediate knee pain
• Inability to bear weight on your leg
• Visible deformity or severe swelling around the joint
• Inability to straighten or bend your knee

What Is Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF)?

For certain displaced or unstable fractures, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) can be used to realign and stabilize the bones. Surgeons commonly abbreviate this as ORIF. The procedure has two key steps:

• Open Reduction: The surgeon makes a small cut over the break to get a clear look at the bone. He then carefully sets the pieces back into place to properly align the joint for smooth movement.
• Internal Fixation: Once the bones align perfectly, the surgeon secures them using specialized orthopedic hardware. These implants hold the bone tightly together while your body naturally heals.

Types of Knee ORIF Surgery We Perform

Every knee injury is unique. Dr. Burke customizes your procedure based on the exact bone broken and the severity of the fracture. The surgical options include:

Open Reduction Internal Fixation of the Patella

Your kneecap acts as a shield for your joint and helps your muscles extend your leg. An open reduction internal fixation of the patella repairs a shattered or split kneecap.

Dr. Burke lines the kneecap fragments back up and holds them together with low-profile screws, pins, or surgical wire. With the bone stable again, your leg can straighten out and support your weight the way it should. That’s what gets you back on your feet and moving without restriction.

Distal Femur ORIF

The distal femur is the lower end of your thigh bone that forms the top of your knee joint. Fractures here often extend into the joint surface. We utilize anatomical metal plates and rigid screws to stabilize the thigh bone securely.

Tibial Plateau ORIF

The tibial plateau is the flat top surface of your shin bone that bears your body weight. A fracture here can cause the joint surface to collapse. We lift the sunken bone back into place and support it with metal plates.

The ORIF Knee Surgery Procedure

Knowing what’s coming before, during, and after surgery takes a lot of the stress out of it. First, we look at the full picture. That means a physical evaluation, a review of your medical history, and imaging that shows us exactly how the fracture looks and where the pieces have shifted.

You’ll also get clear instructions ahead of time on which medications to adjust and when to stop eating before surgery. When the day comes, you receive general or regional anesthesia to reduce discomfort. Dr. Burke opens up the affected part of the knee, clears out any loose bone chips or blood clots, and realigns the bones correctly.

Then he secures everything with titanium plates, rods, or screws, depending on what the fracture requires. Once the hardware is secured, he closes and dresses the incision. When you wake up, you’re in recovery with the team watching your vitals. Pain medications are already working, so the first few hours are more comfortable.

Recovery and Rehabilitation Timeline

Healing from ORIF knee surgery takes patience and consistent rehab. Bone tissue generally needs 8 to 12 weeks to fuse together solidly. The first couple of weeks are all about protection: rest, keeping the swelling down, taking care of the incision, and getting around on crutches without putting weight on the leg.

From weeks three through six, you start introducing gentle range-of-motion exercises and light physical therapy to keep things from stiffening up. Once you hit the six- to twelve-week mark, weight-bearing exercises come into play as follow-up X-rays confirm the bone is healing the way it should.

After the three-month point, the focus shifts to more advanced strengthening, balance work, and gradually getting back to your normal daily routine. Our physical therapy team is with you through every stage, helping you rebuild quad strength, prevent joint stiffness, and hit each milestone safely.

Why Patients Choose Us for Knee Fracture Surgeries in Pearland, TX

Dr. Robert L. Burke is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and holds a Certificate in Orthopedic Sports Medicine, with over 35 years of experience. That kind of track record matters when your knee needs real attention. We also keep things convenient.

X-rays and diagnostics are done right here on-site, so you’re not driving all over town for imaging. Our physical therapy team works in the same building, right alongside the surgical team, which keeps your recovery coordinated from day one.

And when you’re dealing with a painful or unstable knee, waiting weeks for an appointment isn’t an option. We offer same-day and next-day urgent visits, no long wait times, and free parking.