Joint and Spine

Knee Fracture

Our nationally recognized physicians are highly skilled at treating knee fractures. Let us help you return to the active, pain-free lifestyle you love.

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Overview

A knee fracture, or break, may involve the kneecap (patella), femur (thigh bone) or tibia (shin bone). Injuries can range from a small crack to compound breaks. Common causes of a knee fracture include falls, car accidents, and sports injuries.

Types of Knee Fractures

Classification of a knee fracture depends on location and severity. Types of knee fracture include:

Comminuted—the kneecap breaks into multiple pieces.
Displaced—ends of the broken bone are misaligned.
Open—fractured bone breaks through the skin.
Stable—broken bones remain aligned and may heal without surgery.

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Diagnosing Knee Fracture

Prompt diagnosis is key to effective treatment of a knee fracture.

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms of a knee fracture vary but may include:

Bruising or redness
Difficulty moving the knee
Numbness or weakness
Pain
Swelling
Visible deformity

Diagnosis

In addition to a physical exam, we may use one or more of the following imaging tests to diagnose a knee fracture:

Computerized tomography (CT) scan—to produce detailed images to help diagnose your knee injury.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)—to see detailed pictures of your knee.
X-rays—of the knee.

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Knee Fracture Treatment

Treatment for a knee fracture depends on your injury, age, and overall health. We recommend noninvasive care whenever possible to support healing and reduce disruption to your daily life.

Treatment options may include: