Fracture

Fractures can occur anywhere in the body and are typically the result of traumatic incident such as a motor vehicles accident, a fall, or a sports injury. Fractures in the knee region may occur. Our knee consists of the femur, the tibia, the fibula, and the patella. Depending on the circumstances a fracture can happen to any one of these bones. Following a fracture there will be a period of immobilization in which the bone will heal. After the bone heals there is usually a significant loss of mobility in the bones and guarding/weakness within the muscles around the injured bone. In physical therapy we work to restore the motion in the fractured bone, reduce tightness in surrounding musculature, and build back the strength in the muscle and bone. Severe cases may require surgery and patients will require a procedure known as an Open Reduction Internal Fixation. During this procedure the open reduction is performed first and the surgeon will reposition the bone in its proper place. The surgeon will then perform the internal fixation in which metal plates, rods, screws, etc will be used to hold the bone in place. After the surgery the bone heals but there is usually a significant loss of mobility in the joints and guarding/weakness within the muscles around the repaired structure. In physical therapy we work to restore the motion in the involved joints, reduce tightness in surrounding musculature, and build back the strength in the muscle and bone. Please see below for examples of how we treat patients after they recover from fractures in the knee area. If you would like to schedule an appointment please reach out to us.