Restoring Function. Embracing Life.
Knee Fractures Specialist in Singapore
Dr Bryan Wang
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Trusted Orthopaedic Surgeon | Fellowship-trained in Canada | With over 15-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, accidents, direct impact, or high-energy trauma.
Common types of knee fractures include:
Patella Fracture: A break in the kneecap, often caused by a direct blow or fall onto the knee.
Tibial Plateau Fracture: A fracture in the top surface of the tibia, usually caused by high-impact forces.
Femoral Condyle Fracture: A fracture in the rounded end of the femur that meets the tibia.
Knee fractures can result from various factors, including:
Falls onto a bent knee.
Direct impact to the knee, such as in sports-related collisions or accidents.
High-energy trauma like motor vehicle accidents or falls from a height.
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, assess the type of fracture, and determine if there are any associated 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
Immobilisation: The knee may be immobilised with a splint, cast, or brace to allow healing.
Surgical Treatment
Some knee fractures require surgical intervention. Surgery involves realigning the bone fragments and using plates, screws, or other hardware to stabilise them.
