News & Conditions

KNEE FRACTURE

A knee fracture is a break or crack in one or more of the bones in the knee joint. The knee joint is
made up of three bones: the femur (thigh bone), the tibia (shin bone), and the patella (kneecap).
Fractures can occur in any of these bones, and they can range from a small hairline crack to a
complete break that causes the bone to be displaced.
Knee fractures can be caused by a variety of injuries, including falls, car accidents, and sports
injuries. Symptoms of a knee fracture can include pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty bearing weight on
the affected leg, and a visible deformity or misalignment of the knee.
Treatment for a knee fracture depends on the severity of the injury. Minor fractures may only require
immobilization with a cast or brace, while more severe fractures may require surgery to realign and
stabilize the bones. Physical therapy may also be necessary to help restore range of motion and
strength to the affected knee joint.

Management of knee fractures

The management of knee fractures depends on the severity of the injury. Here are some general
guidelines:
1. Immobilization: For minor fractures, immobilization with a cast or brace may be sufficient. The
immobilization helps to stabilize the knee joint and prevent further damage.
2. Surgery: More severe fractures may require surgery to realign and stabilize the bones. The type of
surgery depends on the location and severity of the fracture. Common procedures include open
reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), which involves surgically placing screws, plates, or rods to
stabilize the bone.
3. Pain Management: Pain management is an important part of treating knee fractures. Over-the-
counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be sufficient for mild pain, while stronger
prescription pain medications may be necessary for more severe pain.
4. Physical Therapy: After the fracture has healed, physical therapy can help to restore strength,
flexibility, and range of motion to the affected knee joint. Physical therapy may include exercises to
improve strength, stretching to improve flexibility, and range of motion exercises to improve mobility.
5. Lifestyle changes: In some cases, lifestyle changes may be necessary to aid in the healing process.
For example, weight-bearing activities may need to be limited while the fracture heals, and a healthy
Diet rich in nutrients may help to support the healing process.
6. Follow-up appointments: It is important to attend all follow-up appointments with your doctor to
monitor the healing process and make sure that the fracture is healing properly. X-rays or other
imaging tests may be necessary to assess the progress of healing.
Physiotherapy in knee fractures
Physiotherapy plays an important role in the management of knee fractures. Here are some ways
that physiotherapy can help:

1. Reduce pain and swelling: After a knee fracture, physiotherapy can help to reduce pain and swelling
through modalities such as ice, heat, and electrical stimulation.
2. Increase range of motion: Physiotherapy can help to restore range of motion to the affected knee
joint through stretching exercises and joint mobilization techniques.
3. Improve strength: After a knee fracture, muscles in the affected leg may become weak due to lack of
use. Physiotherapy can help to improve strength through exercises such as resistance training and
weight-bearing exercises.
4. Improve balance and coordination: Knee fractures can affect balance and coordination.
Physiotherapy can help to improve these skills through exercises that challenge balance and
coordination.
5. Assist with gait training: After a knee fracture, it may be difficult to walk normally. Physiotherapy can
help to improve gait through exercises that focus on walking mechanics and weight distribution.
6. Prevent complications: Physiotherapy can help to prevent complications such as blood clots and
joint stiffness by encouraging mobility and circulation.
Overall, physiotherapy can play an important role in the recovery process after a knee fracture by
helping to improve function, reduce pain and swelling, and prevent complications. It is important to
work closely with a qualified physiotherapist to develop an individualized treatment plan that meets
your specific needs.

Role of chiropractic treatment in knee fractures

Chiropractic treatment is generally not recommended for the management of knee fractures.
Chiropractors are not trained or licensed to perform surgical procedures, and knee fractures often
require surgical intervention to realign and stabilize the bones.
However, once the fracture has healed and the patient is cleared for physical therapy, chiropractic
treatment may be a helpful adjunct therapy to promote healing, reduce pain, and restore function.
Chiropractors may use various techniques to address soft tissue injuries, such as muscle strains or
ligament sprains,that can occur in conjunction with knee fractures. These techniques may include:
1. Soft tissue mobilization: This technique involves applying pressure to the affected area to promote
blood flow and reduce muscle tension.
2. Active release technique: This technique involves manipulating soft tissues to break up scar tissue
and improve range of motion.
3. Electrical muscle stimulation: This technique uses electrical currents to stimulate the muscles and
reduce pain.
4. Ultrasound therapy: This technique uses sound waves to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
5. Low-level laser therapy: This technique uses low-level lasers to stimulate cellular activity and
promote tissue repair.
It is important to note that chiropractic treatment should only be performed by a qualified and
licensed chiropractor and should be used in conjunction with other medical treatments as
appropriate. Chiropractors may work with other healthcare professionals, such as orthopedic
surgeons or physical therapists, to ensure that the patient receives the most appropriate and
effective treatment for their knee fracture.

Rehabilitation in knee fractures

Rehabilitation is an important part of the management of knee fractures. It helps to restore function,
improve range of motion, and prevent future injuries. Here are some key components of
rehabilitation for knee fractures:
1. Immobilization: Depending on the severity of the knee fracture, the affected leg may need to be
immobilized with a cast, brace, or splint for several weeks. During this time, it is important to keep
the leg elevated and avoid putting weight on the affected leg.
2. Range of motion exercises: Once the immobilization period is over, range of motion exercises can
help to improve flexibility and mobility in the knee joint. These exercises may include gentle
stretching and joint mobilization techniques.
3. Strengthening exercises: Strengthening exercises are important to improve muscle function and
support the knee joint. Exercises may include resistance training with weights or resistance bands,
or bodyweight exercises such as squats and lunges.
4. Balance and proprioception training: Knee fractures can affect balance and proprioception
(awareness of body position). Specific exercises can help to improve these skills and prevent future
injuries.
5. Cardiovascular exercise: Cardiovascular exercise, such as walking or cycling, can help to improve
overall fitness and promote healing by increasing blood flow and oxygen delivery to the affected
area.
6. Functional training: Functional training involves exercises that mimic activities of daily living, such as
climbing stairs or getting up from a chair. These exercises can help to improve the patients ability to
perform everyday tasks without pain or difficulty.
7. Patient education: Patient education is an important component of rehabilitation. Patients should be
informed about their injury, the rehabilitation process, and how to prevent future injuries.