A fracture in the knee and the surrounding area can greatly affect the mobility of patients. The knee joint is an extremely complex structure. It consists of the femur, tibia, fibula and patella. These bones are connected by ligaments, muscles and tendons, forming a network that allows the knee to function smoothly. When a fracture occurs in this area, it can disrupt the function of the knee joint, causing pain, instability and many other complications. Osteosynthesis, as a surgical technique, is used to stabilize the damaged bones using various materials and effectively treat the fracture. Nowadays minimal invasive techniques are being used.
A knee fracture can occur in the femur (usually from a car accident or a fall from height), tibia (can also affect the stability of the joint), patella and fibula (usually caused by a direct knee injury).
What causes a knee fracture?
A knee fracture can be caused by a number of things, the most common of which are:
- Injury, for example from a car accident (usually to the femur and tibia).
- Fall from height, for example in the elderly and people working at height. These fractures usually involve the femur or patella.
- Trauma and high-energy impact
- Sports injuries, most common in contact sports and activities involving fast spinning and jumping, such as football, basketball and skiing.
- Osteoporosis and degenerative conditions, such as arthritis.
- Repetitive strain, especially in athletes and people whose work involves lifting heavy objects (stress fractures). These types of fractures are more subtle and may initially go unnoticed until symptoms such as pain or swelling worsen.
The symptoms that accompany a knee fracture
Fractures in the knee area vary in severity and extent depending on the type of fracture, the extent of damage to the surrounding tissues and the nature of the injury, but they do have some common symptoms.
- immediate and sharp pain, which becomes more severe with any attempt to move the joint or apply weight to the leg.
- Swelling usually around the knee joint.
- Bruising around the fracture site, especially in the case of a femoral fracture or patella fracture.
- Visible deformity or malalignment of the knee joint.
- Limited mobility.
- Instability and a feeling that the knee is 'giving way', usually when standing or trying to move.

How to treat the knee fracture
Treatment of knee fractures depends largely on the location, severity and type of fracture and can be either conservative or surgical.
For fractures that are not displaced or for those with minimal damage to surrounding structures, conservative treatment may be sufficient and usually includes:
- Immobilization with a splint to stabilize the knee joint and allow healing to occur naturally.
- To reduce the weight bearing and elevate the leg to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
- Medication to manage pain and inflammation.
- Physiotherapy to restore motion, strength and flexibility.
Surgical treatment with osteosynthesis
Osteosynthesis is usually recommended for displaced fractures, for fractures involving the surface of the joint or for those with significant soft tissue damage. This procedure aims to stabilise the bones, facilitate healing and restore normal function of the knee joint.
In osteosynthesis, various materials are used, such as plates, screws or pins/nails, which allow for proper alignment and healing. The operation is generally performed under general anaesthesia. The surgeon repositions/rearranges the bone fragments in their natural position. The appropriate material is then used to fix the bone. The incision is closed and the area is mobilised as needed in order to protect the operated area and heal effectively.
Benefits of osteosynthesis
Osteosynthesis offers several key benefits for patients with knee fractures:
- It ensures that bone segments are aligned accurately, facilitating proper healing (avoiding malpositions) and subsequent risks.
- Fast mobilization. Patients can begin rehabilitation sooner, reducing the risk of stiffness and thus are able to return to daily activities sooner.
- Better site functionality, reducing the risk of long-term complications such as arthritis or reduced range of motion.
- Reduced risk of complications such as infections, poor healing (pseudarthrosis) or development of chronic knee pain due to modern minimal invasive techniques.
How to prevent knee fracture
Regular strengthening of the quadriceps, hamstrings and calf muscles can help protect the knee joint from injury, while wearing proper footwear and maintaining proper posture during physical activity can prevent undue stress on the knee. Adequate intake of calcium and vitamin D, along with regular exercise helps to maintain bone health and reduce the risk of fractures. For older people it is important to take preventive measures to avoid falls.
Fractures in the knee region require careful diagnosis and appropriate treatment to ensure optimal rehabilitation and minimize long-term complications. Conservative treatment is effective for less severe fractures, but osteosynthesis is indicated for more complex (especially intra articular) fractures using modern minimal invasive techniques.
To learn more about knee fracture and the benefits of osteosynthesis in its management, contact us at 6943903343 (secretariat) or 6949196061 (physician) and at orthopedikos-papagiannopoulos.gr and make an appointment.