Restoring Function. Embracing Life.
Knee Fractures Specialist in Singapore
Dr Bryan Wang
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Trusted Orthopaedic Surgeon | Fellowship-trained in Canada | With over 20-years of experience
What are Knee Fractures?
A knee fracture refers to a break or crack in one or more of the bones that make up the knee joint. The knee joint is a complex structure involving the femur (thighbone), tibia (shinbone), and patella (kneecap). Fractures in any of these bones can occur due to various causes, including falls onto a bent knee, accidents, direct impact to the knees such as in sports-related collisions, or high-energy trauma like motor accidents or fall from a height.
Common types of knee fractures include:
Patella Fracture:
A break in the kneecap, often caused by a direct blow or fall onto the knee. The symptoms include sharp pain, swelling, inability to straighten knee.Tibial Plateau Fracture:
A fracture in the top surface of the tibia where it meets the femur, usually caused by high-impact trauma such as car accidents and falls. There could be risk of damaging cartilage and meniscus. The symptoms are often severe pain, swelling and difficulty to bear weight.Distal Femur Fracture:
This is a break just above the knee joint, caused by high-impact trauma or falls, especially in elderly with osteoporosis. It may extend into the joint, disrupting knee alignment.
What are the symptoms?
Common symptoms of a knee fracture include:
Severe pain at the time of injury.
Swelling, bruising, and tenderness around the knee.
Visible deformity or abnormal positioning of the knee.
Inability to bear weight on the affected leg.
Limited or complete loss of movement in the knee joint.
How to Diagnose?
Dr Bryan will conduct a physical examination and order of X-rays to confirm the diagnosis, identify fracture pattern, and determine if there are any associated injuries.
CT scan maybe be ordered for detailed 3D view of complex fractures.
If soft tissues or ligament injuries are suspected, our knee surgeon may order MRI scan to assess the injuries.
Knee Fractures Treatment
What are my Treatment options?
Treatment for a knee fracture depends on factors such as the type of fracture, its location, and the patient's overall health. If you have any of the symptoms above, it is advisable to see an orthopaedic specialist for further assessment.
The appropriate treatment is decided after assessment and a collaborative discussion based on your needs. They can be broadly divided into conservative (non-surgical) and surgical options.
Conservative Treatment
When the knee fracture is stable and non-displaced, it can be treated conservatively. The fractured knee may be immobilised with a splint, cast, or brace to allow healing. Crutches (no weight-bearing) may be required.
Surgical Treatment
When knee fracture is displaced, unstable or joint surface involved, surgical intervention will be recommended for optimal healing. Surgery involves realigning the bone fragments and using plates, screws, or other hardware to stabilise them.
Surgical treatment includes:
Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): plates, screws, or wires to hold bone in place.
External Fixation: metal frame outside leg used in severe/open fractures.
Partial or Total Knee Replacement: for elderly with severe joint involvement or non-reconstructable fractures.
