How can physio help after a knee fracture?
We see lots of patients who have had fractures to the bones around their knees, and many of these then go on to have knee surgery. Here we will discuss the different types of knee fractures and what you can expect from having physiotherapy treatment.
Knee fractures are serious injuries that affect the bones around your knee joint, like your kneecap (patella), thigh bone (femur), or shinbone (tibia). These fractures can make walking, bending, or even standing extremely difficult and painful. They often happen because of trauma from falls, sports injuries, or accidents.
Here’s a quick guide to understanding the different types of knee fractures, what causes them, and how they are treated. Plus, we’ll go over how physiotherapy can help you recover safely and get back to doing the things you love.
What are the types of Knee Fractures?
There are three main types of knee fractures:
Patellar Fractures: This is a break in the kneecap, often caused by falling directly on it or being hit hard. It can make it hard to straighten your leg.
Distal Femur Fractures: This type of fracture can happen in the lower part of your thigh bone, near the knee joint. It’s usually caused by a big impact, like in a car accident or a fall from a height.
Tibial Plateau Fractures: This can occur in the upper part of your shinbone, which supports the knee joint. It’s common in athletes or from falls that involve a lot of force, like skiing.
What Causes Knee Fractures?
Knee fractures are typically caused by accidents or injuries, but people with weak bones (like those with osteoporosis or osteoarthritis) are more likely to suffer fractures even from minor falls. Common symptoms of a knee fracture can be:
Intense pain, especially when trying to move or put weight on the knee.
Swelling and bruising around the knee.
Limited movement, where you can’t bend or straighten the knee.
Deformity: In more serious cases, the knee may look out of place or misshapen.
What is the treatment for Knee Fractures?
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture. In milder cases, your doctor may recommend non-surgical treatments like resting the knee in a brace or cast. However, more severe fractures often require surgery to stabilize the bone and allow it to heal properly.
Non-Surgical Treatment
For small fractures, a brace or cast might be enough to keep the knee stable while it heals. Your doctor will advise you to rest, and a physiotherapist will help you regain strength and movement afterwards.
Surgical Options
If the fracture is more severe, surgery may be necessary to repair the knee. Here are the main surgical options available within the NHS:
Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF): This is the most common procedure, where the surgeon uses screws, plates, or rods to hold the bones in place so they can heal properly.
External Fixation: In some cases, a metal frame is attached outside the leg to keep the bones stable. This is usually a temporary measure.
Knee Replacement: For very serious fractures, where the joint is beyond repair, the surgeon may replace part or all of the knee with an artificial joint.
How can we at First Line Physio help?
No matter which treatment path you take, physiotherapy will be a critical part of your recovery. We can work with you to rebuild strength, improve your flexibility, and get you back to moving comfortably.
Here’s how we can make a difference:
1. Regaining Movement: After surgery or immobilization, we can guide you through gentle exercises to help you move your knee again. This early movement is crucial for preventing stiffness and keeping the joint flexible.
2. Strengthening: As your knee heals, we will work with you to strengthen the muscles around your knee, like the quadriceps and hamstrings. Strong muscles support the joint and help prevent future injuries.
3. Improving Balance: Knee fractures can affect your balance, so we will include exercises to improve your stability and prevent falls during recovery.
4. Managing Pain: We can help manage pain through techniques like ice or heat therapy, massage, and electrical stimulation. This helps reduce inflammation and discomfort while you recover.
5. Gradually Returning to Normal Activities: We can then help you slowly return to your daily activities, whether it’s walking, running, or sport of your choice. We’ll guide you in safely building up your strength and flexibility over time.
What Should I Expect During Recovery?
Recovery from a knee fracture can take time, but working closely with your physiotherapist and your surgeon will help speed up the process. We will create a personalized rehabilitation plan based on your specific injury and needs, ensuring that you heal as safely and efficiently as possible.
If you’ve suffered a knee fracture, it’s essential to follow your healthcare professional’s advice carefully to avoid complications like long-term stiffness, muscle weakness, or re-injury.