The knee joint is formed by the meeting of three major bones — the femur (thighbone), tibia (shinbone), and patella (kneecap). Together, they provide the strength, mobility, and stability that make walking and movement possible. When one or more of these bones break, it’s known as a knee fracture — a serious orthopedic injury that requires immediate evaluation and care.
Knee fractures can result from traumatic events such as falls, sports injuries, or motor vehicle accidents. They may involve small cracks or complete breaks with bone displacement. Because of the knee’s complexity, even minor fractures can affect alignment, joint stability, and long-term mobility if not properly treated.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, patients across Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas receive specialized, evidence-based care for all types of knee fractures — from initial diagnosis to recovery and rehabilitation.
A knee fracture occurs when a bone that makes up the joint is cracked or broken. The three primary fracture sites include:
- Patellar fractures: Breaks in the kneecap from a direct fall or blow to the front of the knee.
- Distal femur fractures: Occur at the lower end of the thighbone, just above the knee joint.
- Proximal tibia fractures: Involve the upper portion of the shinbone beneath the knee joint.
Fractures may be:
- Stable: Bone pieces remain aligned.
- Displaced: Bones are separated and require realignment.
- Comminuted: Bone is shattered into multiple fragments.
- Open (compound): Bone breaks through the skin, increasing infection risk.
Prompt orthopedic attention is critical to ensure proper healing and restore full knee function.
Knee fractures typically result from high-impact trauma or weakened bone structure.
Common causes include:
- Falls or slips: Direct impact to the knee during a fall from height or onto hard surfaces.
- Motor vehicle accidents: Sudden collisions often cause fractures around the patella or tibia.
- Sports injuries: Contact sports or twisting motions can cause stress fractures or complete breaks.
- Osteoporosis: Weakens bones, making them more prone to fractures.
- Repetitive overuse: Long-distance running or high-impact activity may cause small stress fractures.
Risk factors include:
- Advanced age
- Low bone density or vitamin D deficiency
- Previous knee injury or surgery
- Obesity or balance problems increasing fall risk
- Participation in high-impact activities without proper conditioning
Knee fractures are typically painful and immediately limit mobility.
Common symptoms include:
- Severe pain and swelling around the knee
- Bruising or redness after injury
- Inability to stand or bear weight
- Visible deformity or indentation in severe fractures
- Pain that worsens with movement or pressure
- Numbness or coolness in the leg or foot (possible nerve or blood vessel injury)
- Audible “pop” or cracking sound at the moment of injury
If the fracture is open, bleeding and visible bone fragments may occur, requiring emergency medical care.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, Dr. Robert L. Burke, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, performs a comprehensive evaluation to confirm the type and severity of fracture.
Diagnostic process includes:
- Medical history: Details about how the injury occurred and any prior knee problems.
- Physical examination: Assessment of swelling, deformity, and joint stability.
Imaging studies:
- X-rays: Identify fracture location, type, and displacement.o X-rays: Identify fracture location, type, and displacement.
- CT scans: Provide 3D detail for complex or multi-fragmented fractures
- MRI: Detects soft-tissue damage, including ligament or cartilage injury.
Vascular assessment: Ensures blood flow to the leg and foot is not compromised.
This detailed approach helps Dr. Burke determine whether conservative or surgical treatment is most appropriate.
Treatment aims to stabilize the fracture, promote bone healing, and restore full joint function.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Immobilization: A cast or brace keeps bones properly aligned during healing.
- Pain management: Anti-inflammatory medication and rest reduce discomfort.
- Introduced once initial healing occurs to restore flexibility, range of motion, and muscle strength.
- May aid bone and soft-tissue healing by stimulating natural growth factors in less severe fractures.
Surgical Treatments
Severe or displaced fractures often require surgical intervention to realign and stabilize the bone.
Dr. Burke performs advanced orthopedic procedures, including:
- Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): Aligns bone fragments and secures them with plates, rods, or screws.
- External Fixation: A temporary frame stabilizes the knee when swelling or open wounds are present.
- For complex or comminuted fractures requiring bone grafts or additional soft-tissue repair.
- May be necessary when fractures involve extensive cartilage or joint surface damage.
Minimally invasive surgical approaches are prioritized to reduce recovery time and postoperative pain.
Recovery time for knee fractures depends on the type of fracture and whether surgery was needed.
Typical recovery timelines:
- Non-surgical: 6–8 weeks for bone healing with limited weight-bearing.
- Post-surgical: 10–12 weeks for bone union, followed by 3–6 months of therapy.
Rehabilitation goals:
- Restore joint motion and flexibility
- Strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles
- Improve gait and balance
- Prevent stiffness, muscle loss, and re-injury
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, rehabilitation plans are personalized, with regular monitoring to ensure safe and effective recovery.
Most knee fractures heal successfully with prompt and proper treatment. However, recovery may take several months, and long-term stiffness or arthritis can develop if the joint surfaces are affected.
Possible complications:
- Post-traumatic arthritis
- Infection (especially with open fractures)
- Malalignment or uneven leg length
- Nerve or vessel injury
- Joint stiffness or reduced mobility
With expert surgical care and diligent rehabilitation, patients typically regain strong, stable knee function and return to normal activities.
While accidents can’t always be avoided, there are steps to minimize fracture risk:
- Maintain bone density through calcium and vitamin D intake
- Strengthen muscles around the knee for stability
- Use proper footwear and safety gear during sports or physical work
- Address balance issues early to prevent falls
- Avoid overtraining or repetitive high-impact stress on the knee
Maintaining joint strength and flexibility is the best defense against injury.
You should seek immediate orthopedic care if:
- You experience sudden, severe knee pain after a fall or impact
- The knee appears deformed or swollen
- You cannot move or bear weight on the leg
- You hear a “pop” or crack at the time of injury
- There is bleeding or visible bone
- Numbness or coldness develops in the foot or lower leg
Prompt evaluation can prevent complications and ensure proper bone alignment for recovery.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
If you’ve suffered a knee injury or suspect a fracture, early treatment can make all the difference.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we combine advanced imaging, expert surgical care, and personalized rehabilitation to restore function and strength.
We proudly serve Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, helping patients recover from knee trauma and return to active living.
Call (713) 436-3488 or Request an Appointment Online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert L. Burke, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee trauma and reconstructive surgery.
