Knee Fracture
Date issued: March 2019
For review: March 2021
Ref: A-4078/MY/Physiotherapy/Fractures of the knee
PDF: knee fracture [pdf] 439KB
Basic Anatomy
- The four main bones within the knee joint are the femur, patella, tibia and fibula.
- These bones are connected by ligaments, muscles and tendons.
Management
Treatment is dependent upon the type of fracture you have. You will be followed up in Fracture Clinic and may be referred to Physiotherapy Outpatients for on-going management.
Daily activities
- You may find certain activities difficult due to pain or reduced mobility. The Occupational Therapist can assess you and provide you with equipment to make these tasks easier
- You will probably be issued a walking aid (crutches or frame) and shown how to use these by the Physiotherapist
- You will not be allowed to drive with a cast or knee brace on. Contact the DVLA or visit the DVLA website for more information.
- Following assessment it may be agreed that you would benefit from additional support in the community. The Occupational Therapist can assist in arranging this for you.
Backslab:
This is a non-weight bearing cast which has a gap in the front of the cast to allow for swelling. As it is a non-weight bearing cast, you are unable to walk on the cast.
Cylinder POP/Dynacast:
In Fracture Clinic, if your swelling has reduced sufficiently, the doctor will remove your ‘backslab’ and apply a cast known as a ‘POP’ or dynacast.
BREG brace:
Depending on the location and type of your fracture you may be put into a BREG brace. The BREG brace can be set to allow a certain degree of movement at the knee or locked to keep it in one position.
Cricket pad Splint:
Some types of fractures need the knee to be kept straight to heal and this is a type of splint that may be used.
- The doctor will inform you of your weight bearing status.
- Usually you are discharged home with a walking aid and a Fracture Clinic follow up within 1-2 weeks.
- It normally takes approximately 6 weeks for your fracture to heal, but this does vary depending on the individual.
- It is important to keep your leg elevated when at rest to reduce swelling
