Knee and Leg

ORTHOPAEDIC TRAUMA SERVICES

Knee and Leg Fractures

Whether you've suffered a sports-related injury, a fall, or a workplace incident, our skilled orthopaedic trauma team is here to provide you with top-quality care throughout your journey. We understand the impact that knee and leg injuries can have on your daily life, and we are dedicated to assisting you in regaining mobility and independence.

Proximal Tibial Fractures

Causes

Proximal tibial fractures can occur due to various factors. Common causes include:

High-impact trauma, such as car accidents or severe falls.
Sports-related injuries, particularly those involving contact or high-velocity movements.
Weakened bones due to conditions like osteoporosis or bone tumors.

Symptoms

Severe pain and tenderness around the knee and upper part of the shin.
Swelling and bruising in the lower leg.
Inability to bear weight or walk.
Deformity or misalignment of the leg.
Restricted range of motion and difficulty bending or straightening the knee.

Types of Tibial Fractures

Depending on the nature and location of the break, proximal tibial fractures can be classified into several types. These include:

Tibial plateau fractures: These involve a break in the upper surface of the tibia near the knee joint and may involve cartilage, ligaments, or meniscus damage.
Tibial condyle fractures: These fractures occur in the rounded areas at the end of the tibia where it connects to the knee joint.
Tibial tubercle fractures: These fractures happen at the bony prominence located just below the kneecap where the patellar tendon attaches.
Proximal tibial shaft fractures: These fractures occur in the middle portion of the tibia, just below the knee.

Diagnosis

Treatment of proximal tibial fractures depends on various factors, including the type and severity of the fracture, as well as the patient's age and overall health. Our orthopaedic trauma team offers a range of treatment options, which may include:

Non-surgical approaches: For less severe fractures, non-surgical techniques like casting, bracing, or a knee immobilizer may be used to promote healing and stability.
Surgical interventions: Severe fractures may require surgery to realign and stabilize the bones using metal plates, screws, or external fixation devices.
Rehabilitation and physical therapy: After treatment, our dedicated physical therapists will guide you through a tailored rehabilitation program to improve strength, range of motion, and functionality.

Treatment

Immediately following an ankle injury and prior to seeing a doctor, you should apply ice packs and keep the foot elevated to minimize pain and swelling.

The treatment of ankle fracture depends upon the type and the stability of the fractured bone. Treatment starts with non-surgical methods, and in cases where the fracture is unstable and cannot be realigned, surgical methods are employed.

In non-surgical treatment, the ankle bone is realigned and special splints or a plaster cast is placed around the joint, for at least 2-3 weeks.

With surgical treatment, the fractured bone is accessed by making an incision over the ankle area and then specially designed plates are screwed onto the bone, to realign and stabilize the fractured parts. The incision is then sutured closed and the operated ankle is immobilized with a splint or cast.

Paediatric Thighbone (femur) Fractures

Causes

Paediatric femur fractures can result from various causes, including:

Trauma from falls, sports-related injuries, or motor vehicle accidents.
Child abuse or non-accidental injury (in some cases).
Bone conditions that weaken the femur, such as osteogenesis imperfecta or bone tumors.

Symptoms

Symptoms of paediatric femur fractures may include:

Severe pain, tenderness, and swelling in the thigh or groin area.
Reluctance or inability to bear weight on the affected leg.
Visible deformity or shortening of the injured leg.
Bruising or discoloration over the fractured area.
Limited hip or knee movement.

Types of Paediatric femur fractures

Paediatric femur fractures can present in different forms, such as:

Diaphyseal fractures: These occur along the shaft of the femur and can be further classified based on the pattern of the break and whether the skin is intact or open (compound).
Proximal femur fractures: These fractures happen near the top of the femur, closer to the hip joint, and may include specific types like femoral neck or intertrochanteric fractures.
Distal femur fractures: These fractures occur closer to the knee joint and can affect the growth plate in paediatric patients.

Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis of paediatric femur fractures is essential to determine the extent and nature of the injury. Our orthopaedic specialists employ the following methods for diagnosis:

Careful physical examination: Assessing the child for pain, tenderness, swelling, and visible deformities in the femur and surrounding areas.
Imaging studies: X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans are used to visualize the fracture, assess the alignment of the bones, and identify any associated soft tissue injuries.

Treatment

The treatment approach for paediatric femur fractures depends on several factors, including the type and location of the fracture, the child's age, and their overall health. Our orthopaedic trauma team offers a range of treatment options, which may include:

Non-surgical methods: For some less severe fractures, immobilization using a cast or brace may be sufficient for healing and alignment.
Surgical interventions: More complex fractures may require surgical procedures to stabilize the bones using internal fixation devices such as pins, screws, nails, or plates.
Paediatric-specific care: Our team ensures that treatment plans are tailored to meet the unique needs of children, including considerations for growth and future bone development.
Rehabilitation and follow-up: After the initial treatment, our paediatric orthopaedic specialists work with physical therapists to develop a customized rehabilitation program, aiming to restore strength, motion, and function in the affected leg.

Thighbone (femur) Fractures

Causes

Thighbone fractures can occur due to a variety of reasons, including:

High-velocity trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or falls from significant heights.
Sports-related injuries involving direct impact or excessive force on the femur.
Weakening of the bone due to conditions like osteoporosis or bone tumors.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a thighbone fracture may include:

Severe pain, swelling, and tenderness in the thigh or groin area.
Inability to bear weight on the affected leg.
Visible deformity or shortening of the injured leg.
Bruising, discoloration, or open wounds over the fractured area.
Limited range of motion in the hip or knee joints.

Types of Ankle Fractures

Thighbone fractures can present in several forms, such as:

Proximal femur fractures: These occur near the top of the femur, closer to the hip joint, and can include femoral neck or intertrochanteric fractures.
Diaphyseal fractures: These fractures affect the shaft of the femur and may vary in complexity and severity.
Distal femur fractures: These occur closer to the knee joint and can involve the growth plate in paediatric patients.

Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis of thighbone fractures is crucial for determining the appropriate course of treatment. Our orthopaedic specialists utilize a combination of diagnostic techniques, including:

Thorough physical examination: Assessing the affected leg for signs of pain, swelling, deformity, and range of motion limitations.
Imaging studies: X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans help visualise the fracture, assess bone alignment, and identify other potential injuries.

Treatment

The treatment of thighbone fractures varies based on the specific characteristics of the fracture and the individual patient. Our orthopaedic trauma team offers a range of treatment options, which may include:

Non-surgical interventions: Some fractures can be managed with conservative methods, such as casting, bracing, or traction.
Surgical procedures: Complex or displaced fractures may require surgical intervention to realign and stabilize the bones using internal fixation devices.
Rehabilitation and follow-up care: Our team of specialists collaborates with physical therapists to design a targeted rehabilitation programme aimed at restoring strength, mobility, and function in the affected leg.

Shinbone (tibia) Fractures

Causes

Tibia fractures can result from various causes, including:

Trauma from high-impact activities such as sports, motor vehicle accidents or falls from a height.
Weakness of the bones due to underlying medical conditions such as osteoporosis or bone tumours.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a tibia fracture may include:

Severe pain and swelling in the shin area.
Inability to bear weight on the affected leg.
The affected leg may appear bent, twisted, or deformed.
Bruising or discoloration of the skin over the site of the fracture.
Limited range of motion in the ankle or knee joint.

Types of Tibia Fractures

Tibia fractures can present in different forms, such as:

Proximal tibia fractures: These fractures occur near the knee joint and can be classified as supracondylar or intercondylar.
Shaft tibia fractures: These fractures occur along the length of the tibia and can be classified based on the degree of injury to the soft tissue and the severity of the break.
Distal tibia fractures: These fractures occur near the ankle joint and can be classified as intra-articular or extra-articular.

Diagnosis

Accurate diagnosis of shinbone fractures is essential to determine the appropriate treatment approach. Our orthopaedic specialists use a variety of diagnostic techniques, including:

Physical examination: Checking for swelling, tenderness, deformities, and any limitations in range of motion.
Imaging studies: X-rays, CT scans or MRI scans aid in visualising the fracture, assessing the degree of bone displacement, and identifying associated soft tissue injury.

Treatment

The treatment approach for tibia fractures depends on the type and severity of the fracture, as well as the overall health status of the patient. Our orthopaedic trauma team provides a range of treatment options, which may include:

Non-surgical methods: Some fractures can be treated with conservative methods, such as casting, bracing, or traction.
Surgical intervention: More complex or displaced fractures may require surgery to realign and stabilise the bones using internal fixation devices such as plates, screws, or rods.
Rehabilitation and follow-up care: Our team collaborates with physical therapists to design a tailored rehabilitation programme aimed at restoring strength, mobility, and function in the affected leg.