Knee Fractures - Dr. Burke Orthopedics

Knee Fractures – Understanding Breaks Around the Knee Joint

Overview

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.

What Is a Knee Fracture?

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.

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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.

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Prompt orthopedic attention is critical to ensure proper healing and restore full knee function.

Causes and Risk Factors

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.

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Risk Factors:

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

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Symptoms

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
Audible “pop” or cracking sound at the moment of injury

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If the fracture is open, bleeding and visible bone fragments may occur, requiring emergency medical care.

Diagnosis

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.

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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.

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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 Options at Dr. Burke Orthopedics

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.

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Physical Therapy

Introduced once initial healing occurs to restore flexibility, range of motion, and muscle strength.

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PRP Therapy

May aid bone and soft-tissue healing by stimulating natural growth factors in less severe fractures.

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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.

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Reconstructive Surgery

For complex or comminuted fractures requiring bone grafts or additional soft-tissue repair.

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Joint Replacement

May be necessary when fractures involve extensive cartilage or joint surface damage.

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Minimally invasive surgical approaches are prioritized to reduce recovery time and postoperative pain.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

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.

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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

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At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, rehabilitation plans are personalized, with regular monitoring to ensure safe and effective recovery.

Long-Term Outlook and Prevention

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

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With expert surgical care and diligent rehabilitation, patients typically regain strong, stable knee function and return to normal activities.

Prevention

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

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Maintaining joint strength and flexibility is the best defense against injury.

When to Seek Medical Care

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

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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.

Medical Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information you have read here.