Knee Fracture Treatment in New Bern, NC
A knee fracture can cause significant pain, swelling, instability, and difficulty putting weight on the affected leg. Fractures involving the distal femur, proximal tibia, or other bones around the knee may require prompt orthopedic evaluation to determine the severity of the injury and the most appropriate treatment. Dr. Chris Hoedt specializes in adult hip and knee reconstruction and provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for patients with knee fractures in Eastern North Carolina. Depending on the fracture pattern, bone condition, and overall health, treatment may include immobilization, bracing, or surgical fixation.
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A fracture is a condition in which there is a break in the continuity of the bone. In younger individuals, these fractures are caused by high energy injuries, as from a motor vehicle accident. In older people, the most common cause is a weak and fragile bone.
Fractures of the knee can include the following:
Distal femur fracture: The distal femur is part of the femur bone that flares out like the mouth of the funnel. A distal femur (top part of knee joint) fracture is a break in the thighbone that occurs just above your knee joint.
Femoral shaft fracture: A femoral shaft fracture is a break that occurs anywhere along the femoral shaft, long, straight part of the femur.
Fractures of proximal tibia: A proximal tibial fracture is a break in the upper part of the shin bone or tibia. Proximal tibial fractures may or may not involve the knee joint. Fractures that enter the knee joint may cause joint imperfections, irregular joint surfaces, and improper alignment in the legs. This can lead to joint instability, arthritis, and loss of motion. These fractures are caused by stress or trauma or in a bone already compromised by disease, such as cancer or infection. Proximal tibia fractures can result in injury to the surrounding soft tissues including skin, muscle, nerves, blood vessels, and ligaments.
Tibial shaft fractures: A tibial shaft fracture is a break that occurs along the length of the tibia or shin bone (larger bone of the lower leg) between the knee and ankle joints. These fractures can occur while playing sports such as soccer and skiing.
Diagnosis of Knee Fracture
Diagnosis is made through your medical history, a physical examination, and other diagnostic imaging tests. X-rays are taken to know whether the bone is intact or broken. X-rays are also helpful to know the type and location of the fracture. Your doctor may also recommend a computerized tomography (CT) scan to know the severity of the fracture.
Treatment of Knee Fracture
Treatment options include non-surgical and surgical. Non-surgical treatment involves skeletal traction and use of casts and braces. Skeletal traction involves placement of pin into the bone in order to realign broken bones. Surgery involves internal fixation and external fixation.
Internal fixation
Intramedullary nailing: In this procedure, a specially designed metal rod is placed into the canal of the femur. Then the nail is passed on to reach the fracture site and keep it in place. The rod is secured in place with screws at both ends.
Plates and Screws fixation: In this procedure, your surgeon will reposition the broken bone ends into normal position and then uses special screws or metal plates on the outer surface of the bone to hold the bone fragments in place.
External fixation
During the procedure, metal pins or screws are inserted into the middle of the femur and tibia and are attached to a device outside the skin to hold bone fragments in place to allow alignment and healing.
If your bone is fractured in many pieces, a plate or rod is fixed at both ends of the fracture to maintain the overall shape and length of the bone in place while it heals. In elder patients, where fracture healing delays, a bone graft taken from the patient or tissue bank may be used to form callous. In severe cases, the bone fragments are removed and the bone is replaced with a knee replacement implant.
Complication of the Surgery
The most common complications of surgery include infection, knee stiffness, delayed bone healing, and knee arthritis.
Dr. Chris Hoedt Orthopaedic Surgeon Hip & Knee Replacement Specialist
Dr. Hoedt specializes in hip and knee replacement and revisions (redos). His fellowship was in Adult Reconstruction at the University of Pennsylvania. He enjoys doing research and helps select articles for publication in some of the top adult reconstruction journals. Dr. Hoedt practiced in Nashville, TN for a couple of years before deploying with the US Army.
Why Choose Dr. Hoedt for Knee Fracture Treatment in New Bern, NC?
Knee fractures can vary significantly in severity and may affect the bones, joint surface, surrounding soft tissues, or alignment of the leg. Dr. Chris Hoedt provides specialized orthopedic care and evaluates each fracture carefully to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Hoedt:
- Adult Reconstruction Expertise: Specializes in hip and knee conditions, including complex injuries affecting the knee.
- Comprehensive Fracture Evaluation: Uses physical examination and appropriate imaging to assess the location, severity, and complexity of the fracture.
- Personalized Treatment Planning: Treatment is based on the fracture pattern, bone quality, overall health, and individual needs.
- Non-Surgical and Surgical Options: Evaluates whether immobilisation, bracing, or surgical fixation may be appropriate.
- Advanced Surgical Techniques: When surgery is required, contemporary fixation techniques may be used to stabilise the fracture and support healing.
- Focus on Knee Function: Treatment aims to restore appropriate alignment, stability, movement, and function whenever possible.
- Individualized Recovery Guidance: Provides recommendations regarding weight-bearing, rehabilitation, physical therapy, and follow-up.
- Serving Eastern North Carolina: Provides specialized knee care for patients in Greenville, Pitt County, and surrounding communities.
Knee Fracture FAQs
What is a knee fracture?
A knee fracture is a break in one of the bones that forms or surrounds the knee joint. Depending on the location, it may involve the distal femur, proximal tibia, or other portions of the bones around the knee. The severity of a fracture can vary from a simple break to a complex injury involving the joint surface.
What are the symptoms of a knee fracture?
Common symptoms include sudden knee pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty bearing weight, limited movement, tenderness, and instability. A visibly abnormal shape or inability to use the leg may indicate a more serious fracture requiring urgent evaluation.
How is a knee fracture diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a review of your injury and medical history, a physical examination, and imaging. X-rays are commonly used to identify the location and pattern of a fracture, while a CT scan may be recommended for more complex fractures or injuries involving the joint surface.
How is a knee fracture treated?
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the fracture. Some fractures may be treated with immobilization, bracing, or other nonsurgical measures, while displaced or complex fractures may require surgical fixation using plates, screws, rods, or other devices. Your surgeon will recommend treatment based on your individual injury.
How long does it take to recover from a knee fracture?
Recovery depends on the location and severity of the fracture, the treatment required, bone health, and overall health. Rehabilitation may be recommended to restore knee movement, strength, and function. Your surgeon will provide individualized guidance on weight-bearing and activity during recovery.
Schedule a Knee Fracture Consultation in New Bern, NC
If you have experienced a knee injury resulting in significant pain, swelling, difficulty bearing weight, or limited movement, Dr. Chris Hoedt can evaluate your injury and discuss appropriate treatment options. Patients seeking knee fracture treatment in New Bern, NC, as well as throughout Eastern North Carolina, can receive specialized orthopedic care tailored to the type and severity of their fracture. Contact Dr. Hoedt today to schedule an evaluation and take the next step toward appropriate treatment and recovery.
- New Bern
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