Introduction

The knee is the joint between the femur (thigh bone) and the tibial (lower leg). In front of the knee joint is the patella (kneecap), a bone set in the tendon of the big quadriceps muscle which straightens the leg. Knee fractures are injuries to one or more of these bones close to the knee joint or entering the knee joint.

Many of these injuries heal well and cause no later problems, but breaks that enter a major weight bearing joint like the knee joint are a big concern. If the joint surface is damaged, or if the bone heals with irregularities to the joint surface, wear and tear arthritis of the knee may result. The knee is subjected to various strains due to cutting and pivoting movements and impact injuries. These strains can damage the ligaments and muscles of the knee but they can also cause fractures. Although these fractures may seem quite minor on x-ray they may result in loss of function of the ligaments and/or muscles - the ligament injury itself may be more important than the bony injury.

This guide will help you understand

• what parts of the knee are involved
• what the symptoms are
• what can cause these fractures
• how doctors diagnose these fractures
• what the treatment options are