Knee Fractures

Apakah artikel ini bermanfaat? Bagikan!

What is the Anatomy of the Knee?

In order to understand knee fractures, it is essential to have a basic knowledge of the knee’s anatomy. The knee joint is composed of three main bones:

Femur (thighbone): The longest bone in the body, extending from the hip to the knee.
Tibia (shinbone): The largest (by diameter) of the two bones in the lower leg.
Patella (kneecap): A small, flat, triangular bone that sits at the front of the knee joint. The patella enables the knee to extend outward and inwards.

The three major bones in the knee are interconnected by various ligaments and tendons, which provide stability and allow for the knee’s range of motion. The knee joint is also cushioned by cartilage, which helps absorb shock and reduce friction during movement.

What are Knee Fractures?

Although less common than other types of fractures, knee fractures can be particularly debilitating due to the knee’s crucial role in movement and weight-bearing. The knee joint provides stability and mobility to the leg. If any of these components are damaged, it can significantly impact a person’s ability to perform daily activities.

Knee fractures involve any of the bones that make up the knee joint. The most common types of knee fractures include:

Patellar Fractures:

These fractures occur in the kneecap and are often caused by direct trauma, such as a fall or a blow to the knee. Patellar fractures can range from simple, non-displaced fractures to complex, comminuted fractures. Fractures of the patella can lead to profound pair and moving disturbances due to movement impairment caused by the dysfunction of the patella.

Distal Femur Fractures:

These fractures occur at the lower end of the femur, just above the knee joint. Distal femur fractures are often caused by trauma, including falls or accidents, but they may also result from low-energy injuries in individuals with weakened bones. Distal Femur Fractures are rare and more likely to occur amongst older individuals with lower bone density or osteoporosis.

Proximal Tibia Fractures (Tibial Plateau Fractures):

These fractures occur at the upper part of the tibia and often involve the knee joint surface. Proximal Tibia fractures are often caused by direct trauma, such as falls or sports-related injuries, and can be complicated by damage to the surrounding ligaments and cartilage.

What are the Common Causes and Risk Factors of Knee Fractures?

Knee fractures are usually the result of trauma, but certain factors can increase the risk of sustaining a knee fracture:

High-Energy Trauma:

Car accidents, falls from heights, and sports injuries are common causes of knee fractures. These high-energy impacts can generate significant force, leading to fractures.

Osteoporosis:

Individuals who are pre-diagnosed with osteoporosis, a condition characterised by brittle bones, are more prone to knee fractures.

Ageing:

The risk of knee fractures increases with age, particularly in individuals over 50, due to the natural decline in bone density and strength.

Physical Activity:

Sports-related injuries are the most common cause of knee fractures among young people in Singapore. Engaging in activities that involve sudden movements or changes in direction increases the risk of knee fractures

What are Early Signs of Knee Fracture?

Patients with knee fractures often present with knee pain, swelling, lacerations or abrasions, and palpable defects of the knee. Furthermore, patients experience a reduced range of motion in the knee joint due to pain, swelling, or mechanical blockage, which indicates a potential tear of the tissue around the knee. Therefore, patients with a history of trauma to the knee and who have the symptoms mentioned above should be evaluated further by orthopaedic surgeons in Singapore.

How Can Knee Fractures Be Diagnosed?

At Alps Orthopaedic Centre, diagnosing a knee fracture typically involves a combination of physical examination, imaging studies, and a review of the patient’s medical history. Critical steps in the diagnostic process include:

Medical History Taking:

Our orthopaedic specialist will understand your medical history, such as your past injury history.

Physical Examination:

Our orthopaedic specialist will perform a thorough check of your knee, checking for signs of knee fractures.

Imaging Studies:

X-rays are the primary imaging modality used to diagnose knee fractures. They provide detailed images of the bones and can help determine the type and extent of the fracture. In some cases, additional scans such as the CT or MRI may be recommended to check if additional injuries to the surrounding tissues are present.

What are the Treatment Options for Knee Fractures in Singapore?

The treatment of knee fractures depends on the type, severity, and location of the fracture, as well as the patient’s overall health and activity level. Treatment options can be broadly categorised into non-surgical and surgical approaches:

Non-Surgical Treatment: For less severe fractures where patients have intact extension movement mechanism of the knee, non-surgical treatment may be sufficient. This typically involves immobilisation of the knee with a cast to allow the bone to recover properly. After allowing for the bone to heal, patients will undergo a specialised physical therapy routine to restore leg muscle strength and restore its range of motion.
Knee Surgeries: More severe fractures, such as a complete displacement or a floating knee, often require surgical intervention. Surgical options include:
- Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): ORIF involves repositioning the fractured bone fragments and securing them with metal plates, screws, or pins to stabilise the bone and promote healing.
- External Fixation: In cases where internal fixation is not possible, external fixation may be used. This involves placing metal pins or screws into the bone on either side of the fracture, which are then connected to an external frame to hold the bones in place.
- Knee Replacement: In some cases, particularly in older patients with severe fractures or pre-existing arthritis, a partial or total knee replacement may be necessary.

Ringkasan

Knee fractures require prompt and appropriate treatment to aid optimal recovery and function. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for knee fractures can help patients make informed decisions about care and rehabilitation. With the right approach, most people with knee fractures can achieve a full recovery and return to their normal activities.

Pertanyaan yang Sering Diajukan

How long is the recovery period for a knee fracture?

In most cases, the range of motion of the knee is restricted for 4 to 6 weeks after the surgery. Afterwards, the range of motion will be slowly progressed, and a structured physical therapy program will be created to restore muscle strength, balance, and coordination. The recovery period post-surgery depends on the type of fracture; patellar and femur fractures often heal within several months, while tibia plateau fractures can take more than half a year, depending on their severity.

Can I re-injure my knee after the surgery?

While most knee fractures heal without complications, some potential complications may arise after knee injuries. Patients with a history of knee fracture are at risk of subsequent fracture, especially patients who are over 65 years old with osteoporotic bones.

What happens if I leave the knee condition untreated?

If left untreated, fractures of the patella, lower femur, and upper tibia can cause prolonged immobilisation, leading to diseases associated with recumbency, such as pneumonia, thrombosis, and pressure ulcers.

Mengunjungi Pusat Ortopedi Pegunungan Alpen

If you or your loved ones exhibit signs of a knee fracture, book an appointment with our experienced Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Jerry Chen, for a thorough assessment and treatment plan.

Apakah artikel ini bermanfaat? Bagikan!

Dr Jerry Chen

MBBS (S'pore), MRCSEd, MMed (Ortho), FRCSEd (Ortho)

Ahli Bedah Ortopedi Konsultan & Direktur Medis yang terlatih dalam program fellowship

Sebelum mendirikan Alps Orthopaedic Centre, Dr Jerry Chen adalah seorang Konsultan di Singapore General Hospital (SGH), di mana ia mengumpulkan lebih dari 13 tahun pengalaman dalam Bedah Ortopedi.
Dr Chen memelopori kelompok kerja untuk Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) untuk operasi penggantian pinggul dan lutut di SGH, di mana ia berhasil menggunakan ERAS, yang telah memberikan manfaat bagi lebih dari 2.000 pasien sejauh ini.
Setelah melakukan lebih dari 500 operasi dalam setahun, ia telah berperan penting dalam membantu banyak pasien pulih dari cedera dan penyakit dan kembali ke gaya hidup aktif mereka.
Minat klinisnya meliputi Pemulihan yang Ditingkatkan Setelah Bedah (ERAS) untuk Pinggul dan Lutut, Cedera Olahraga, Bedah Invasif Minimal, dan Bedah Robotik.

Mengapa Alps Orthopaedic Centre?

Di Alps Orthopaedic Centre, kami mengkhususkan diri pada Pemulihan yang Ditingkatkan Setelah Bedah (ERAS). Dilakukan sebagai Bedah Sehari, ERAS Direct Anterior Approach dalam teknik Penggantian Pinggul Total (THR) serta Penggantian Lutut Total (TKR) ERAS, mengurangi rata-rata masa rawat inap di rumah sakit, dengan menggunakan teknik yang memungkinkan pasien untuk tidak terlalu merasakan sakit dan pulih lebih cepat. Kami adalah klinik Ortopedi di Singapura, yang berspesialisasi dalam ERAS dan melakukan yang terbaik untuk memungkinkan pasien kembali ke aktivitas sehari-hari sedini mungkin.

Klinik Ortopedi kami menyediakan diagnosis khusus dan perawatan yang efektif untuk masalah muskuloskeletal, terutama Bedah Sehari / Pemulihan yang Ditingkatkan Setelah Bedah (ERAS) Untuk Bedah Pinggul dan Lutut, Cedera Olahraga, dan Patah Tulang. Jika Anda sedang mempertimbangkan untuk menjalani operasi pinggul atau lutut atau perawatan invasif minimal, buatlah janji temu dengan Dokter Spesialis Bedah Ortopedi Konsultan kami yang berpengalaman, Dr Jerry Chen, untuk pemeriksaan menyeluruh dan rencana perawatan.

Tujuan kami adalah untuk meningkatkan kesejahteraan pasien, dengan mengoptimalkan setiap aspek dari perjalanan pembedahan. Dengan meminimalkan masa pemulihan, pasien dapat kembali ke aktivitas yang mereka sukai. Tim Alps menawarkan sesi konseling keuangan yang komprehensif untuk memastikan pasien kami memahami pilihan mereka dan membuat keputusan yang tepat mengenai rencana perawatan mereka.

Hubungi Kami

Apakah artikel ini bermanfaat? Bagikan!

Dr Jerry Chen

MBBS (S'pore), MRCSEd, MMed (Ortho), FRCSEd (Ortho)

Ahli Bedah Ortopedi Konsultan & Direktur Medis yang terlatih dalam program fellowship

Sebelum mendirikan Alps Orthopaedic Centre, Dr Jerry Chen adalah seorang Konsultan di Singapore General Hospital (SGH), di mana ia mengumpulkan lebih dari 13 tahun pengalaman dalam Bedah Ortopedi.
Dr Chen memelopori kelompok kerja untuk Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) untuk operasi penggantian pinggul dan lutut di SGH, di mana ia berhasil menggunakan ERAS, yang telah memberikan manfaat bagi lebih dari 2.000 pasien sejauh ini.
Setelah melakukan lebih dari 500 operasi dalam setahun, ia telah berperan penting dalam membantu banyak pasien pulih dari cedera dan penyakit dan kembali ke gaya hidup aktif mereka.
Minat klinisnya meliputi Pemulihan yang Ditingkatkan Setelah Bedah (ERAS) untuk Pinggul dan Lutut, Cedera Olahraga, Bedah Invasif Minimal, dan Bedah Robotik.

Mengapa Alps Orthopaedic Centre?

Hubungi Kami

Apakah artikel ini bermanfaat? Bagikan!

Dr Jerry Chen

MBBS (S'pore), MRCSEd, MMed (Ortho), FRCSEd (Ortho)

Fellowship-trained Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon & Medical Director

Before starting Alps Orthopaedic Centre, Dr Jerry Chen was a Consultant at Singapore General Hospital (SGH), where he accumulated over 15 years of experience in Orthopaedic Surgery.
Setelah melakukan lebih dari 500 operasi dalam setahun, beliau telah berperan penting dalam membantu banyak pasien pulih dari cedera dan penyakit pada sistem muskuloskeletal.
Sebagai anggota yang penuh semangat dan dihargai, Dr Chen memelopori kelompok kerja untuk Peningkatan Pemulihan Setelah Bedah (ERAS) untuk operasi penggantian pinggul dan lutut di SGH.
Selama karirnya di SGH, Dr Chen telah berhasil menggunakan ERAS dan mengurangi rata-rata rawat inap di rumah sakit untuk operasi penggantian pinggul dan lutut.
Menjalani operasi hari ERAS ini telah memberikan manfaat bagi lebih dari 2.000 pasien sejauh ini, sehingga mereka tidak terlalu merasakan sakit dan pulih lebih cepat.
Tim Alps berkomitmen untuk menyediakan perawatan ortopedi khusus yang disesuaikan dengan kondisi unik Anda. Kami menawarkan sesi konseling keuangan yang komprehensif untuk memastikan pasien kami memahami pilihan mereka dan membuat keputusan yang tepat mengenai rencana perawatan mereka.

Mengapa Alps Orthopaedic Centre?

Our Orthopaedic clinic provides specialised diagnosis and effective treatment of musculoskeletal problems, especially Day Surgery / Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) For Hip and Knee Surgery, Sports Injuries and Trauma Fractures. If you are considering hip or knee surgery or minimally invasive treatments, book an appointment with our experienced Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr Jerry Chen, for a thorough assessment and treatment plan.

Hubungi Kami